# Recursive method to evaluate a polynomial

I want to find a recursive way of evaluating any polynomial (I'm given the polynomial, and a value for x, and I need to replace the x in the polynomial with the value). The polynomial can be anything, and the x-value will be an integer. Say, $$3x^5+9x^3-2x^2+x$$ and x=5.

What would be the most efficient way of computing the value?

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What do you mean to solve a polynomial? Usually one solves equations. Do you want to factor it? Find a (or all) the roots? Most numerical analysis books will have a chapter on this. –  Ross Millikan Jun 30 '11 at 17:30
Will any solution do, or do you want a particular one, or do you want all the solutions? Do you want a real solution, and if you do, do you know that such a solution exists in advance, or do you need to check? –  Mark Bennet Jun 30 '11 at 17:31
Sorry for the confusion, I will be given the value of x as well (I've also edited the question). –  George Jun 30 '11 at 17:44
Edits have clarified that the question was about evaluating the polynomial rather than solving it –  Mark Bennet Jun 30 '11 at 18:54