f(x)=x^2-12x-85

Question

Part A: Provide the zeros of the function.

Part B: Show all work to support Part A.

Part C: Explain why the function is set equal to 0

 to answer Part A. Then, explain the significance of the locations found in Part A.

Answer 1

This factors to: (x-17)(x+5)

Setting the factors equal to zero

x-17=0 add 17 to both sides

x=17

x+5=0 subtract 5 from both sides

x=-5

The zeros are the x intercepts, where the graph crosses the x axis. You find these by setting y=0, this is why you set to equation equal to zero.