How do you factor

y= -x^4 + x^3 + 3x^2 - 2x - 5

2 answers

You may want to check the question.

The given polynomial has no real roots, and hence no rational/real factors.

See:
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1420/1285293974.png
I let f(x) = -x^4 + x^3 + 3x^2 - 2x - 5
I tried ±1, and ±5 in f(x) and none produced a zero,
so there are no rational linear factors.