SAT Nonlinear functions Practice Question 4 (Easy)

Math · Advanced MathEasy

The function $f$ is defined by $f(x) = (x - 3)(x + 5)$ . What are the $x$ -intercepts of the graph of $y = f(x)$ in the $xy$ -plane?

$(-3, 0)$ and $(5, 0)$

$(-3, 0)$ and $(-5, 0)$

$(3, 0)$ and $(5, 0)$

$(3, 0)$ and $(-5, 0)$

Show answer and explanation

Answer: D

The $x$ -intercepts occur where $f(x) = 0$ . A product is zero when a factor is zero: $x - 3 = 0$ gives $x = 3$ , and $x + 5 = 0$ gives $x = -5$ .

Choice A uses the opposite signs of the zeros, reading the numbers in the factors directly.

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