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How to Factor Polynomial Roots on a Calculator

Polynomials are mathematic expressions that consist of a continuous equation with the potential of infinite degree expansion, such as ax^n + .... + bx^2 + cx + d. While scientific calculators do not have the computing capacity to factor out the polynomial roots of a polynomial equation, new technology in graphing calculators can calculate all the roots within even the most complex polynomial equations. Instead of factoring polynomial equations by hand, the polynomial application will save you both time and effort in finding the roots.

Things You'll Need

Graphing calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Go to the polynomial application on your calculator.
- 2
  Input the number of degrees of the polynomial equation. For example, if the polynomial equation is x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12 = 0, the number of degrees in the equation is 3.
- 3
  Enter the numerical coefficient of each term into the polynomial application. For example, if the equation is x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 12 = 0, the coefficients are 1, 3, -4 and -12.
- 4
  Press "Enter" to begin the calculation. The results of the polynomial roots will be displayed on the screen as potential "x" values. For example, if you input the coefficients 1, 3, -4 and -12, your roots will be 2, -2 and -3.
- 5
  Input the roots into the factored polynomial format equation: (x-a)(x-b)(x-c) where a, b and c are polynomial roots. Therefore, if your roots are 2, -2 and -3, the factored polynomial equation would be (x - 2)(x + 2)(x + 3).

Numerology