Question

Find the smallest zero for the function h(x) =4x squared -8x-60

Answer 1

The smallest zero is
`x=-3`

Explanation:

The given function is

`h(x)=4x^2-8x-60`

To find the zeros of this function, we equate it to zero.

`\Rightarrow 4x^2-8x-60=0`

Dividing through by 4 gives

`x^2-2x-15=0`

We split the middle term to get;

`x^2-5x+3x-15=0`

Factor

`x(x-5)+3(x-5)=0`

Factor further to get;

`(x-5)(x+3)=0`

`(x-5)=0,(x+3)=0`

The zeros are

`x=5,x=-3`

The smallest zero is

`x=-3`