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Result

The roots of the polynomial x4 − 7x3 + 18x2 − 20x + 8 are:

x1 = 1
x2 = 2
x3 = 2
x4 = 2

Explanation

This is a polynomial of degree 4. To find zeros for polynomials of degree 3 or higher we use
Rational Root Test.
The Rational Root Theorem tells you that if the polynomial has a rational zero then it must
be a fraction pq , where p is a factor of the trailing constant and q is a factor of the
leading coefficient .
The factor of the leading coefficient (1) is 1 . The factors of the constant term (8) are 1 2 4
8 . Then the Rational Roots Tests yields the following possible solutions:
1 2 4 8
± , ± , ± , ±
1 1 1 1
Substitute the POSSIBLE roots one by one into the polynomial to find the actual roots. Start
first with the whole numbers.
If we plug these values into the polynomial P (x), we obtain P (1) = 0.
p
To find remaining zeros we use Factor Theorem. This theorem states that if q is root
of the polynomial then this polynomial can be divided with qx − p. In this example:
Divide P (x) with x − 1

x4 − 7x3 + 18x2 − 20x + 8

= x3 − 6x2 + 12x − 8
x−1
Polynomial x3 − 6x2 + 12x − 8 can be used to find the remaining roots.
Use the same procedure to find roots of x3 − 6x2 + 12x − 8
When you get second degree polynomial use step-by-step quadratic equation solver to find
two remaining roots.