Discovering Cubic Root Solutions for Scientists

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding roots of cubic equations, specifically focusing on methods such as Cardan's formula and Newton's method of approximation. The original poster seeks clarification on how to apply these methods, particularly expressing interest in Cardan's approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for finding cubic roots, including Newton's method and Cardan's formula. There are inquiries about specific examples and the spelling of Cardan's name. One participant elaborates on a mathematical derivation related to cubic equations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants sharing different approaches and expressing preferences for specific methods. There is no clear consensus on the preferred method, but several lines of reasoning are being explored, including both numerical and analytical approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of cubic equations and their solutions, with some expressing frustration over the difficulty of applying certain formulas. The original poster has indicated a preference for a specific method over others.

uob_student
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hello

how can i finding roots to cubics??

explain by example

:smile:
 
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Perhaps you have an example in mind?
 
Oh how I just love these open-ended questions ;P
 
If you want to find approximate vaues, use Newton's method of approximation. (you can google for it).
For a more analytical approach try here
 
Tide said:
Perhaps you have an example in mind?


x^3+(5*x^2)+(3*x)+9=0
 
Fermat said:
If you want to find approximate vaues, use Newton's method of approximation. (you can google for it).
For a more analytical approach try here


no i do not want Newton's method of approximation :smile:

i want (kardan) method but i am not sure about the spelling of (kardan)
 
Cardan's formula gives

[tex]x = -\frac {\left( 179 - 9 \sqrt {345} \right)^{1/3}}{3}-\frac {\left( 179 + 9 \sqrt {345} \right)^{1/3}}{3} - \frac {5}{3}[/tex]

for the real root. The other two are complex. And, no, I did not do it by hand! :)
 
If a and b are any two numbers then
(a- b)3= a3-3a2b+ 3ab2- b3
3ab(a-b)= 3a2b- 3ab2

so (a-b)3+ 3ab(a-b)= a3- b3.

In particular, if we let x= a-b, m= 3ab, and n= a3- b3, that says that x3+ mx= n. That is, we can pick any two numbers a, b and right down a cubic equation that has x= a- b as a root.
The question is, can we go the other way: given m and n, can we find a and b so we can write x= a-b as a solution.
The answer to that question is "Yes, we can"!

Since m= 3ab, b= m/3a. Putting that int n= a3- b3, we have [tex]n= a^3- \frac{m^3}{3^3a^3}[/tex].
Multiplying both sides of the equation by a3, we have
[tex]na^3= a^6- (\frac{m}{3})^3[/tex]
which looks worse but is just a quadratic equation in a3:
[tex](a^3)^2- n(a^3)- (\frac{m}{3})^3[/tex].
Use the quadratic formula to solve that
[tex]a^3= \frac{n +/- \sqrt{n^2- 4\left(\frac{m}{3}\right)^3}}{2}[/tex]
[tex]a^3= \frac{n}{2} +/- \sqrt{\left(\frac{n}{2}<br /> \right)^2- \left(\frac{m}{3}\right)^3}[/tex]

Since a3- b3= n, solving for b3 gives
[tex]a^3= -\frac{n}{2} +/- \sqrt{\left(\frac{n}{2}\right)^2- \left(\frac{m}{3}\right)^3}[/tex]

Finding the cube root of each of those, then subtracting to get x= a- b gives the formula that Tide cited.

Warning- applying that formula is really, really hard!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
:rolleyes: thanks
 

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