Question

What form is best for finding the x-intercept(s) of a parabola?

A) Standard form
B) Vertex form
C) Factored form

Answer 1

Factored form is best for finding the x-intercepts of a parabola as it directly reveals the intercepts through its equation y = a(x - p)(x - q). Standard form and vertex form can also be used but require more steps.

Step-by-step explanation:

For finding the x-intercept(s) of a parabola, the factored form is considered the best. This form directly shows the x-intercepts, if they exist, because it is written as y = a(x - p)(x - q), where p and q are the x-intercepts of the parabola. In factored form, you set y to zero and solve for x, which makes finding the x-intercepts straightforward.

The standard form (ax2 + bx + c = 0) and vertex form (a(x - h)2 + k) can also be used to find the x-intercepts, but they may require additional steps such as completing the square or using the quadratic formula.