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At which root does the graph of f(x) = (x – 5)3(x + 2)2 touch the x-axis?

User Rodrigogq
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1 Answer

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The way you can tell if the graph is going to cross the x-axis or just touch the x-axis is by looking at the power of factor

(x-5)^3 has a power of 3 which is an ODD number. An ODD power means that the graph will cross through the x-axis

(x+2)^2 has the power of 2 which is an EVEN number. An Even power means that the graph will touch the x-axis

To find where it will touch the axis set the factor equal to zero and solve .

(x + 2) = 0

Subtract 2 from both sides

x=-2

User Ticofab
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