Question

What are the zeros of the polynomial function f(x)=x^3-x^2-12x

Answer 1

{0, 4 and -3}

Explanation:

f(x)=x^3-x^2-12x can be factored, starting by taking out the 'x' factor:

f(x)=x^3-x^2-12x = x(x^2 - x - 12), and then by factoring the quadratic:

f(x) = x(x - 4)(x + 3) = 0

Then the zeros are {0, 4 and -3}.

Answer 2

The zeros are;

x=-3,x=0, and x=4

Explanation:

The given polynomial is

`f(x)=x^3-x^2-12x`

We equate the function to zero to obtain;

`fx^3-x^2-12x=0`

We factor the GCF to get;

`x(x^2-x-12)=0`

We split the quadratic trinomial to get;

`x(x^2-4x+3x-12)=0`

Factor by grouping

`x(x(x-4)+3(x-4))=0`

`x(x-4)(x+3)=0`

The zeros are;

x=-3,x=0, and x=4