Question

The graph of the function f(x) = x3 – 7x – 6 intersects the x-axis at the points (–2, 0), (–1, 0), and (3, 0) as shown. Which expression is equivalent to x3 – 7x – 6?

Answer 1

The x-axis intercepts are the roots of the polynomial. So, the roots are x = - 2, x = - 1 and x = 3.

Therefore, the polynomial can be factored as:

(x - (-2)) * ( x - (-1) ) * (x - 3) = (x + 2)(x + 1)(x - 3).

Answer: (x + 2) (x + 1) (x - 3)