Answer:
If solving an equation, put it in standard form with 0 on one side and simplify. [ details ]
Know how many roots to expect. [ details ]
If you’re down to a linear or quadratic equation (degree 1 or 2), solve by inspection or the quadratic formula. [ details ]
Then go to step 7.
Find one rational factor or root. This is the hard part, but there are lots of techniques to help you. [ details ]
If you can find a factor or root, continue with step 5 below; if you can’t, go to step 6.
Divide by your factor. This leaves you with a new reduced polynomial whose degree is 1 less. [ details ]
For the rest of the problem, you’ll work with the reduced polynomial and not the original. Continue at step 3.
If you can’t find a factor or root, turn to numerical methods. [ details ]
Then go to step 7.
If this was an equation to solve, write down the roots. If it was a polynomial to factor, write it in factored form, including any constant factors you took out in step
