SOLUTION: Find the x intercepts y = x^2 - 3x - 1 I do not understand how I am to find the intercepts formula, can anyone help me out on this one please, thank you!

Question 69894: Find the x intercepts
y = x^2 - 3x - 1
I do not understand how I am to find the intercepts formula, can anyone help me out on this one please, thank you!
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the x intercepts
y = x^2 - 3x - 1
:
The x intercepts occur when y = 0, (when a graph crosses the x axis)
:
x^2 - 3x - 1 = 0; solve for x, the solutions will be the x intercepts
:
This equation cannot be factored so you have to find x using the quadratic formula
In this equation a = 1 b = -3; c = -1
:

:
2 solutions:

x = +3.3
and

x = -.3
:
x = +3.3 and -.3; these are the x intercepts as illustrated in this graph:

:
Notice that the graph "intercepts" the x axis at -.3 and + 3.3
:
Can you understand this now?

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