Math Problem Statement

Find all the zeros of the quadratic function y = x^2 - x - 12.

Solution

The equation shown is:

y=x2x12y = x^2 - x - 12

To find the zeros of the quadratic function (i.e., the values of xx where y=0y = 0), we need to solve:

x2x12=0x^2 - x - 12 = 0

This is a standard quadratic equation, which can be solved using factoring, the quadratic formula, or completing the square. Let's factor this equation.

Factoring:

We need two numbers that multiply to 12-12 and add to 1-1. These numbers are 4-4 and 33.

So, we can factor the quadratic as:

(x4)(x+3)=0(x - 4)(x + 3) = 0

Solving for xx:

Set each factor equal to zero:

  1. x4=0x=4x - 4 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 4
  2. x+3=0x=3x + 3 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = -3

Zeros:

The zeros of the quadratic function are x=4x = 4 and x=3x = -3.

Would you like more details on any part of this process?


Related Questions:

  1. What is the quadratic formula, and how is it applied to this problem?
  2. Can you explain the concept of "zeros" of a function in more detail?
  3. How do you complete the square to solve a quadratic equation?
  4. What are some real-world applications of quadratic functions?
  5. How can you verify the solution by plugging values back into the original equation?

Tip: Always double-check your factorization by expanding the factors to make sure you get the original quadratic equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Factoring

Formulas

Quadratic equation formula ax^2 + bx + c = 0

Theorems

Factor Theorem
Zero-Product Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10