Find when 2x^3+x-5 is equal to zero

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the polynomial equation 2x³ + x - 5 = 0. It is established that there are no rational solutions to this equation, as confirmed by Hurkyl's method, indicating that it cannot be factored with integer coefficients. The cubic formula is mentioned as a potential solution, but it is noted to be complex and cumbersome. The recommended approach for finding the roots is to use numerical methods, such as graphing the function and identifying the x-intercept.

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I need to find when 2x^3+x-5 is equal to zero and I'm stuck

2x^3+x-5=0
5=2x^3+x...then what?
 
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There is a really nice theorem for finding all of the rational zeroes of a polynomial that involves the first and last terms of the polynomial, have you seen it yet?
 
Hurkyls method show that there are no rational solutions. That means that this cannot be factored with integer coefficients. There is a "cubic formula" but it is very messy. It is probably best solved numerically.

(The method I used was to graph it on my calculator, then "zoom" in on the x-intercept!)
 

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