solving polynomial equation 0 = x3 - 3x + 5 for x

[baboon99]

:?

Please help me solve for x in the following equation:

0 = x3 - 3x + 5

In words, the equation is "zero equals x cubed minus 3 times x plus five"

Thanks

 

[galactus]

This one isn't easily factorable.

Try the Intermediate Value Theorem.

It has one real and two complex solutions.

Graph it and get an idea where the real solutions lies, then use the IVT to hone in on it.

 

[tkhunny]

Were you given any instruction on exactly how you were supposed to solve said equation for 'x'? It can't be factored (using only Real numbers), so I hope that wasn't the desired method.