What are the four steps for solving a polynomial equation

1) Simplify each side (if needed)

2) Write the equation in Standard Form

3) Factor

4) Zero-Product Principle

Step-by-step explanation:

1) Simplify: Try and simplify the equation if possible

2) Get the equation in standard form

Example-

x^3 - 4x - 8 = - 2x^2

x^3 + 2x^2-4x - 8 = 0

3) Factor (by grouping)

Example-

x^3 + 2x^2 - 4x - 8 = 0

x^2 (x+2) - 4 (x+2) = 0

(group together the coefficients)

(x+2) (x^2-4)

(x+2) (x+2) (x-2)

4) Zero-Product Principle: Set each factor group equal to zero

Example-

x+2=0

x=-2

x-2=0

x=2

Side Note: If the question is a quadratic, you can always solve by doing the quadratic formula.