The way you can tell if the graph is going to cross the x-axis or just touch the x-axis is by looking at the power of the factor. (x - 5)^3 has a power of 3 which is an ODD number. An ODD power means that the graph will cross through the x-axis. (x + 2)^2 has a power of 2 which is an EVEN number. An EVEN power means that the graph will touch the x-axis. To find where it will touch the axis set the factor equal to zero and solve. (x + 2) = 0 subtract 2 from both sides x = -2
