According to the rational root theorem, which answer is not a possible rational root of x^3+9x^2-x+8=0

8

1

6

2

6

Step-by-step explanation:

The rational root theorem states that the roots must be factors of p/q

where p is the constant and q is the coefficient of the highest order term

p = 8  which has factors ±1, ±2,±4,±8

q  = 1 which has factors ±1

The possible roots are ±1, ±2,±4,±8

                                           ±1

which simplifies to

±1, ±2,±4,±8

6 is not a possible root

hello from mrbilldoesmath!

answer:   x (x+6)^2, choice b

discussion:

factor x out of the equation:

x^3 + 12x^2 + 36x = x (x^2 + 12x + 36).

note that 6+6 = 12 and 6*6 = 36 so the above factors into:

x (x+6)^2

which is choice b

you,

mrb