Solving polynomials for variable (x)

[pearss]

Homework Statement

I'm doing work finding the centroids of 2d graphs. I'm working these problems using double integrals of regions that are horizontally or vertically simple. To do this I have to be able to convert line equations from one variable to the other. Some are simple but others I'm having trouble with such as:

y = x + x^3

Are there any useful methods for solving for x in these difficult polynomials?

Thanks much

 

[Dick]

No. There's no simple way to solve a cubic. Why don't you give an example of the sort of problem you are trying to deal with? There may be a simpler way.

 

[pearss]

oh i see. There is in fact another way (using geometry) but i was being stubborn and trying to force the double integrals. Thank you for the help sir :D