# Homework Help: Showing one positive and two neg roots

1. Jun 1, 2012

### synkk

Show that the equation x^3-12x-7.2=0 has one positive and two negative roots:

I know this can be solved by trial and error, and finding f(0),f(1-4),f(-1 - -4) I have shown that It has two negative roots and one positive however I'm wondering if there is another method on how to show it has two negative and one positive root? I've found the max and min points but im not sure what to do from there...

thanks

2. Jun 1, 2012

### Infinitum

Differentiating the function, you get

$$f'(x) = 3x^2 - 12$$

From this you can observe that the maxima is at -2, and minima is at +2. The function is also continuous. Drawing a rough graph out, you can easily see the type of roots.

3. Jun 1, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
It's a polynomial of odd degree, so we know there is at least one real root.

Descartes's rule of signs could help. It will tell you there is one positive root and perhaps two negative roots.

4. Jun 1, 2012

### Vargo

Can you use the intermediate value theorem?

f(0) is negative. f(10) is positive so by the IVT there is a root somewhere in between...

5. Jun 1, 2012

### synkk

How can you easily see it? Ive drawn a sketch and Ive seen the real sketch on wolframalpha but I cant see how its two negative and one positive.

6. Jun 1, 2012

### Infinitum

Well, to draw the graph you would see how the function goes at x = +/- infinity.

$$\lim_{x\to \infty} f(x) = \infty$$

and

$$\lim_{x\to -\infty} f(x) = -\infty$$

Now, you also know the value of f(0). And you can calculate approximate values(you only need signs) of maxima and minima. Maxima comes out to be positive and minima is negative. Now try completing the graph??

7. Jun 1, 2012

### Saitama

The points on the graph where f(x) intersects x-axis are the roots of the equation.
If you carefully look at the graph, you will see that the graph the negative x-axis at two points and the positive x-axis at one point, hence there are two negative and one positive root.