If we factor an expression (such as quadratic/cubic), we will have a factored form with some expressions in parenthesis.
To find x-intercepts (x-axis cutting point), we set each of these factors equal to 0 and find the corresponding x value. That is hte x-intercept.
As an example, let's find the x intercepts of the parabola
x intercept is the x-cutting point. We find this by setting y to 0. Thus,
Now, we have to factor the quadratic to find the x intercepts, thus:
Thus, as said earlier, we set each expression [in parenthesis] equal to 0 and find the corresponding x-value.
Thus,
x - 2 = 0
x = 2
and
x - 3 = 0
x = 3
The x-intercepts are x = 2 and x = 3