-
Essay / Cubic Equations - 531
Cubic equations were known since ancient times, even by the Babylonians. However, they did not know how to solve all the cubic equations. Many mathematicians have attempted to solve this “impossible equation”. Scipione del Ferro, in the 16th century, made progress on the cube by finding how to solve a 3rd degree equation lacking a 2nd degree. He passes the solution to his student, Fiore, directly on his deathbed. In 1535, Niccolò Tartaglia discovered how to solve x3+px2=q and later Cardano begged Tartalia to provide him with the methods. Cardano finally publishes methods for solving cubic and quartic equations. The easiest way to solve a cubic equation is to use either grouping or factoring. Here is an example: Solve x3 + 12x2 − 9x − 108=0 by regrouping. (x3 + 12x2) + (−9x − 108) =0 In this step, group 2 pairs of terms.x2 (x + 12) +( −9) (x −12)=0 Factor the common term in each group. x2 and (−9)(x+12) (x2 −9) = 0 Factor the common term again (x+12).(x+3) (x−3) (x+12)=0 Factor the difference of perfect square. The roots of this equation are −3, 3, −12. To find the cu...