Question

What are the xintercepts of the graph of the function f(x)=x^2+4x-12

Answer 1

f(x)= x^2 + 4x - 12

Explanation:

x- intercepts

(x + 6)(x - 2)= 0

x + 6= 0

x = -6

(-6, 0)

x - 2 = 0

x = 2

(2,0)

Answer 2

x = -6, x = 2

Explanation:

I find it useful to graph the function when looking for x-intercepts. The graph shows them to be x = -6 and x = 2.

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You can also factor the equation to find the x-intercepts. Those are the values of x that make the factors be zero. The constants in the binomial factors are the divisors of -12 that have a sum of +4. Those are 6 and -2.

f(x) = (x +6)(x -2)

The values of x that make these factors zero are ...

x = -6, x = 2