Find the number of positive real roots for equation 3 x5 - 4 x4 - 42 x3 + 56 x2 + 27x - 36 = 0. If all the roots of above given equation are real.
Solution: Let f(x) = 3 x5 - 4 x4 - 42 x3 + 56 x2 + 27x - 36
According to Descartes' rule of signs
Total number of positive real roots = No. of charges in the sign occurs at any particular terms.
f(x) = 3 x5 - 4 x4 - 42 x3 + 56 x2 + 27x - 36
+ - - + + -
Change Change Change
No. of positive real roots = 3.