SOLUTION: How does finding the equation given the solution and factoring relate? Even though I am able to solve the problem I am having issues putting it into words. Thanks

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons -> SOLUTION: How does finding the equation given the solution and factoring relate? Even though I am able to solve the problem I am having issues putting it into words. Thanks      Log On


   

Question 494884: How does finding the equation given the solution and factoring relate?
Even though I am able to solve the problem I am having issues putting it into words. Thanks
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factoring shows where the x-axis crossings are
Suppose factoring an equation gives you
+y+=+%28x+-+a%29%2A%28x+-+b%29%2A%28x+-+c%29+
If you set y+=+0, then
+0+=+%28x+-+a%29%2A%28x+-+b%29%2A%28x+-+c%29+
There are 3 ways this can be true:
+x+=+a
or
x+=+b
or
x+=+c
These are the places where the equation
crosses the x-axis
If I plot this with a=1,b=2 and c=3,then
+graph%28+400%2C+400%2C+-3%2C+5%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+%28x-1%29%2A%28x-2%29%2A%28x-3%29%29+