SOLUTION: In the following equation a, b, and c are positive real numbers and a < b < c . y=−(x+a)(x−b)^2 (x+c) State the expression, in terms of a, b and c, that represents the y-

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: In the following equation a, b, and c are positive real numbers and a < b < c . y=−(x+a)(x−b)^2 (x+c) State the expression, in terms of a, b and c, that represents the y-      Log On


   



Question 1171628: In the following equation a, b, and c are positive real numbers and a < b < c .
y=−(x+a)(x−b)^2 (x+c)
State the expression, in terms of a, b and c, that represents the y-intercept.

Answer by math_tutor2020(3817) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

The y intercept always occurs when x = 0

Plug in x = 0 to get,
y = -(x+a)*(x-b)^2*(x+c)

y = -(0+a)*(0-b)^2*(0+c)

y = -(a)*(-b)^2*(c)

y = -a*b^2*c

The y intercept is -a*b^2*c
The location of the y intercept as an (x,y) point is (0, -a*b^2*c)

Since a,b,c are positive this makes a*b^2*c to be positive as well.
This flips to -a*b^2*c being negative.

Visually this indicates the function curve crosses the y axis somewhere below the x axis.

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Answer: The y intercept is -a*b^2*c and it's some negative number.