<PRE><B>Question 360232</B>
If this is the problem: &lt;br&gt;

{{{f(x)=(x^2-x-2)/(x^2-16)}}} then proceed as such:&lt;br&gt;

If you need to find the x-intercept(s), you are looking for the point where y=0&lt;br&gt;

When y=0, you know that the point will definitely be on the x-axis, and you will end up with a point (x,0)&lt;br&gt;

So, we just need to find the point where the function equals 0!&lt;br&gt;

{{{0=(x^2-x-2)/(x^2-16)}}}&lt;br&gt;

We know that the denominator can NEVER equal 0, so we can just remove the denominator, and set the numerator equal to 0.  So,&lt;br&gt;

{{{0=(x^2-x-2)}}}&lt;br&gt;

Then we just need to factor this remaining polynomial if possible.&lt;br&gt;

{{{0=(x-2)(x+1)}}}&lt;br&gt;

So since we know the 2 factors when multiplied equal 0, we know that either the first factor must equal 0, or the 2nd factor must equal 0.&lt;br&gt;

So we have&lt;br&gt;

{{{x-2=0}}} or {{{x+1=0}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{x=2}}} or {{{x=-1}}}&lt;br&gt;

Therefore the x-intercepts are 2 and -1 or&lt;br&gt;

the x-intercepts are the points (2,0) and (-1,0)&lt;br&gt;

I hope this helps!&lt;br&gt;</PRE>