Is there a faster way to find the roots of a polynomial using Horners method?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the roots of the polynomial \(x^3 - 8x^2 + 19x - 12\) using Horner's method and the Rational Root Theorem (RRT). Participants conclude that while Horner's method has a computational complexity of \(\mathcal{O}(n)\), the RRT can be faster in specific cases, particularly when rational roots exist. However, the RRT may fail if the polynomial lacks rational roots, making Horner's method a more reliable choice overall.

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  • Understanding of polynomial equations and their roots
  • Familiarity with Horner's method for root finding
  • Knowledge of the Rational Root Theorem (RRT)
  • Basic concepts of computational complexity
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  • Learn about the Newton-Raphson method for finding real roots
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theakdad
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I have given polynomial: $$x^3-8x^2+19x-12$$

I know how to find the roots with Horners method,i am just wondering if there is an easier and quicker way to find them? Thank you!
 
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wishmaster said:
I know how to find the roots with Horners method

You don't have to go that far. Try proving that this factors over integers completely by applying rational root theorem (integral root theorem for monic polynomials).
 
mathbalarka said:
You don't have to go that far. Try proving that this factors over integers completely by applying rational root theorem (integral root theorem for monic polynomials).

I don't know how to do it...
 
wishmaster said:
I have given polynomial: $$x^3-8x^2+19x-12$$

I know how to find the roots with Horners method,i am just wondering if there is an easier and quicker way to find them? Thank you!

The polynomial has degree 3, so that it exists at least one real root that can be found with the Newton-Raphson method...
 
Find the divisors of $$12$$ then divide that by the divisors of the leading term $$1$$ so we have $$\pm 1 , \pm 3 , \pm 4 , \pm 6 \pm 12$$ as possible roots.

$$P(3) = 3^3-8(9)+19\times 3-12 = 27-72+57-12=0 $$

Hence $$x=3$$ is a solution . The next step divide the cubic by $$(x-3)$$ to get a polynomial of degree $2$.
 
Seems that's not the easier and faster method as Horners...or i can't see it! :D
 
wishmaster said:
Seems that's not the easier and faster method as Horners...or i can't see it! :D

... not only neither easier nor faster... if the polynomial doesn't have rational roots [... the most probable case...] it fails!(Tmi)...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #10
chisigma said:
... not only neither easier nor faster... if the polynomial doesn't have rational roots [... the most probable case...] it fails!(Tmi)...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

My question was about rational roots...how to find them fast. (Mmm)
 
  • #11
chisigma said:
neither easier nor faster

Horner's method has computational complexity $\mathcal{O}(n)$, whereas RRT exceeds that quite less often, as far as I can tell.
 
  • #12
mathbalarka said:
Horner's method has computational complexity $\mathcal{O}(n)$, whereas RRT exceeds that quite less often, as far as I can tell.

So i think the answer is: Deal with it as you can?
 
  • #13
Nope. I believe RRT is much faster at several cases than Horner, and that's what I answered above using computational complexity theory.
 

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