Question 131886


{{{x^2-3x-10=0}}} Start with the given equation


{{{(x-5)(x+2)=0}}} Factor the left side (note: if you need help with factoring, check out this <a href=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/playground/change-this-name4450.solver>solver</a>)




Now set each factor equal to zero:

{{{x-5=0}}} or  {{{x+2=0}}} 


{{{x=5}}} or  {{{x=-2}}}    Now solve for x in each case



So our answer is 

 {{{x=5}}} or  {{{x=-2}}} 


which means that the x-intercepts are 


 {{{x=5}}} and  {{{x=-2}}} 



Notice if we graph {{{y=x^2-3x-10}}}  we can see that the roots are {{{x=5}}} and  {{{x=-2}}} . So this visually verifies our answer.



{{{ graph(500,500,-10,10,-10,10,0, x^2-3x-10) }}}