Mathematics

The key is to test small integer values—especially $\pm 1$ and $\pm 3$—by direct substitution. Since the polynomial has integer coefficients and a constant term of $-1$, any rational zero must be a divisor of $1$. This Rational Root Theorem dramatically narrows your search: you only need to check a handful of candidates to find which one makes the polynomial equal zero.

The key is to test small integer values—especially $\pm 1$ and $\pm 3$—by direct substitution. Since the polynomial has integer coefficients and a constant term of $-1$, any rational zero must be a divisor of $1$. This Rational Root Theorem dramatically narrows your search: you only need to check a handful of candidates to find which one makes the polynomial equal zero.