Question

The functio p(x)= x(x-5)(x-2)(x+3) has four zeros. What is the smallest zero.

Answer 1

x = 5 or x = 2 or x = 0 or x = -3 thus 0 is the smallest root

Explanation:

Solve for x:

x (x - 5) (x - 2) (x + 3) = 0

Split into four equations:

x - 5 = 0 or x - 2 = 0 or x = 0 or x + 3 = 0

Add 5 to both sides:

x = 5 or x - 2 = 0 or x = 0 or x + 3 = 0

Add 2 to both sides:

x = 5 or x = 2 or x = 0 or x + 3 = 0

Subtract 3 from both sides:

Answer: x = 5 or x = 2 or x = 0 or x = -3