Can you help me with this math problem?

Find the x intercepts for the graph of the equation.

x 2 - x - 12 = 0

Thanks alot! Laura

Hi Laura,

I think the original problem was

Find the x intercepts for the graph of the equation y = x 2 - x - 12. The x intercepts are the points where y = 0 so the problem can be restated What is x if x 2 - x - 12 = 0?

One way to answer this question is to factor the left side of the equation above.

Why factor? Stay with me, you will see soon.

x 2 - x - 12 = (x - 4)(x + 3) and hence the problem is

What is x if (x - 4)(x + 3) = 0?

Having the equation in this form, "the product of two factors is zero" tells us a lot.

If the product of two numbers is zero, then at least one of the numbers must be zero. Thus either x - 4 = 0 or x + 3 = 0. In the first instance x = 4 and in the second, x = -3.

I hope this helps,
Penny

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