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Find me X and y intercepts givin a polynomial function

Find me X and y intercepts givin a polynomial function-example-1
User PDN
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1 Answer

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11 votes

y-intercept: value of the function when it crosses y-axis (when x=0)

x-intercept: values of x when the function cross the x-axis (when the function is equal to 0)


f(x)=x^3-4x^2-25x+100

To fidn y-intercept evaluate the function when x=0 (find f(0)):


\begin{gathered} f0)=0^3-4(0)^2-25(0)+100 \\ f(0)=0-0-0+100 \\ f(0)=100 \end{gathered}

y-intercept: 100

To find x-intercepts; equal the function to 0 and solve x:


x^3-4x^2-25x+100=0

Factor by parts:


\begin{gathered} (x^3-4x^2)+(-25x+100)=0 \\ \\ x^2(x-4)-25(x-4)=0 \\ \\ (x^2-25)(x-4)=0 \end{gathered}

Solve x: When the product is 0, equal each factor to 0 and solve separately:


\begin{gathered} x^2-25=0 \\ x^2=25 \\ x=\sqrt[]{25} \\ x=\pm5 \\ \\ \\ x-4=0 \\ x=4 \end{gathered}

x-intercepts: -5,4,5

User Jamey McElveen
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