Finding Roots in the Equation x^4+x^3-4x^2-1=0

[ryan.1015]

Homework Statement

show that the equation x^4+x^3-4x^2-1=0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I wasn't sure where to start. The minus one at the end really threw me off. I tried to factor by grouping by coul;dn't figure out what to do with the -1

 

[jeffreydk]

Have you learned the rational root test?

 

[Pere Callahan]

Homework Statement

show that the equation x^4+x^3-4x^2-1=0

This equation has no "nice" roots. You might want to use a numerical approximation or have a look into http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartic_equation#Solving_a_quartic_equation".

 

[Mark44]

Homework Statement

show that the equation x^4+x^3-4x^2-1=0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I wasn't sure where to start. The minus one at the end really threw me off. I tried to factor by grouping by coul;dn't figure out what to do with the -1

What's the rest of the sentence?

show that the equation x^4+x^3-4x^2-1=0

Show that this equation does what?

Please give us the exact wording of the problem.