Q:

Let ​ f(x)=x2+15x+56 .What are the zeros of the function?Enter your answers in the boxes._ and_

Accepted Solution

A:
The zeros of the function means the value of x which makes f(x) is equal to zero.

f(x) = 0
xΒ² + 15x + 56 = 0

I break 15x into 8x and 7x
xΒ² + 8x + 7x + 56 = 0
(xΒ² + 8x) + (7x + 56) = 0

Do factorization of the terms inside the parenthesis
xΒ² and 8x have the same factor, that is x. Separate x by the parenthesis.
x(x + 8) + (7x + 56) = 0

7x and 56 have the same factor, that is 7. Separate 7 by the parenthesis
x(x + 8) + 7(x + 8) = 0

There are two same factors of (x + 8), separate (x + 8) by the parenthesis
(x + 8)(x + 7) = 0

(x + 8) multiplied by (x + 7) is equal to zero. What make the zero of function is when x + 8 = 0 or when x + 7 = 0
x + 8 = 0
x = -8

x + 7 = 0
x = -7

The zeros of the function is -8 and -7