Multiple choice

The real root of the equation $x^{3} - 6x + 9 = 0$ is

  1. $-6$
  2. $-9$
  3. $6$
  4. $-3$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Testing the roots, if x = -3, (-3)^3 - 6(-3) + 9 = -27 + 18 + 9 = 0. Thus, -3 is a root.

AI explanation

We can factor the cubic equation x^3 - 6x + 9 = 0 by grouping if we rewrite the middle term as -3x - 3x. This allows us to pull out common factors from the grouped terms: x^3 - 3x - 3x + 9 = x(x^2 - 3) - 3(x - 3). This direct grouping does not factor cleanly, so instead we test the given integer options. Substituting x = -3 into the original equation yields (-3)^3 - 6(-3) + 9 = -27 + 18 + 9 = 0, confirming x = -3 is the real root.