How do you use solver to solve a polynomial

[DW]

How can you solve a polynomial of the form y=x^4-x^3+x^2+x+5 , i want
something in the form x=F(y).

[Jerry W. Lewis]

Solver finds a numeric solution, not a closed form function.

Start by plotting the function. You will see that it is roughly
parabolic, so there are no real solutions if y<4.82505060999037 and two
real solutions if y>4.82505060999037.

Now, put the formula =A1^4-A1^3+A1^2+A1+5 in B1 and some x value in A1.
Tools|Solver, "Set Target Cell" to B1, select "Value of:" and put the
desired y value in the entry field, and set "By Changing Cells" to A1.
When you press the "Solve" button, then Solver will find an approximate
numerical solution to the polynomial equation. Which real solution it
finds for y>4.82505060999037 will be determined by the initial guess
that you supply in A1.

Jerry

DW wrote:

> How can you solve a polynomial of the form y=x^4-x^3+x^2+x+5 , i want
> something in the form x=F(y).