Factoring Madness: Intersecting Curves

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the intersection points of the curves defined by the equations x + y = 2y² and y = x³. Participants are exploring methods to manipulate these equations to identify their points of intersection.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to express both equations in terms of y and are discussing the challenges of factoring a resulting polynomial that includes a cube root. There is a suggestion to cube both sides of an equation to simplify the problem, leading to a higher degree polynomial.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the Rational Root Theorem to find roots of the polynomial formed after cubing the equations. There is an acknowledgment that substituting y = x³ into the original equation could simplify the problem further, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of polynomial equations and factoring, with some expressing uncertainty about the best methods to proceed. The discussion reflects the challenges of working with higher degree polynomials and the implications of cube roots in the context of the problem.

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Homework Statement



I need to find where these curves intersect:

x+y = 2y^2
y = x^3


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So I try to write both in terms of y, I get

2y^2 - y = y^(1/3)

I try to factor

2y^2 - y - y^(1/3) = 0
y(2y - 1 - y^(-2/3)) = 0 ??

What do I do next?
 
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zeion said:

Homework Statement



I need to find where these curves intersect:

x+y = 2y^2
y = x^3


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So I try to write both in terms of y, I get

2y^2 - y = y^(1/3)
You're on the right track up to the step above, but that's not an equation that's easy to factor with that cube root.

Instead, cube both sides of the equation. The right side is easy; when cubed it becomes just y.
The left side requires some care, because you're multiplying (2y2 - y)(2y2 - y)(2y2 - y). When you're done, the highest degree term will be 8y6. This might turn out to be a messy problem, since you'll be needing to factor a 6th degree polynomial to find the intersection point(s) - I believe there are two.
zeion said:
I try to factor

2y^2 - y - y^(1/3) = 0
y(2y - 1 - y^(-2/3)) = 0 ??

What do I do next?
 
Okay so after I cubed both sides I get:

8y6 - 12y5 - 2y4 - y3 - y =0

Then I factor out a y:

y(8y5 - 12y4 - 2y3 - y2 - 1) = 0

How do I factor now..? Was there some way to check easier with ration roots theorem?
 
Yes the other root is rational so use the theorem to find it.

It would have saved you a lot of hassle cubing and even makes finding the other root besides y=0 much easier if you substituted [itex]y=x^3[/itex] into [itex]x+y=2y^2[/itex]. You will quickly and easily get [itex]x+x^3=2x^6[/itex].
 

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