Question

According to the rational root theorem, the following are potential roots of
f(x) = 60x^2 - 57x - 18.

Which is an actual root
A) -6/5
B) -1/4
C) 3
D) 6

Answer 1

I would immediately use synthetic division to check the four possible answers.

Is -1/4 an actual root?  Let's find out:

         _____________________
-1/4  /   60     -57     - 18
                      -15     18
        ----------------------------
             60      -72      0

Since there is no remainder, -1/4 IS a factor of the given polynomial, and the other factor can be found from  the coefficients 60  - 72:
                                 72
60x - 72 = 0  => x = ---- = 6/5
                                 60

Answer 2

So is the answer -1/4 or -6/5?