Key Characteristics of the Function

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 146 views

Understanding the Problem

To solve this problem, we need to understand the characteristics of the given function and how it relates to the graph. The x-intercepts are the points where the graph crosses the x-axis, and the y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. In this case, we are given the x-intercepts at (-1,0) and (-5,0) and the y-intercept at (0,-30).

Key Characteristics of the Function

The function must have roots at x = -1 and x = -5, which means that the function must be equal to zero at these points. This can be represented by the equation f(x) = a(x + 1)(x + 5), where a is a constant.

Finding the Value of a

We are also given that the y-intercept is at (0,-30), which means that when x = 0, f(x) = -30. We can substitute x = 0 into the equation f(x) = a(x + 1)(x + 5) to find the value of a.

Solving for a

f(0) = a(0 + 1)(0 + 5) f(0) = a(1)(5) f(0) = 5a

Since f(0) = -30, we can set up the equation:

5a = -30

To solve for a, we can divide both sides of the equation by 5:

a = -30/5 a = -6

Finding the Final Equation

Now that we have found the value of a, we can substitute it back into the original equation f(x) = a(x + 1)(x + 5) to find the final equation.

f(x) = -6(x + 1)(x + 5)

Conclusion

Based on the given x-intercepts and y-intercept, we have found that the equation f(x) = -6(x + 1)(x + 5) satisfies all the conditions. This equation has x-intercepts at (-1,0) and (-5,0) and a y-intercept at (0,-30).

Comparison with Other Options

Let's compare our final equation with the other options given in the problem.

Option A: f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5)

This equation is the same as our final equation, so it also satisfies the conditions.

Option B: f(x) = -6(x-1)(x-5)

This equation has x-intercepts at (1,0) and (5,0), which are not the same as the given x-intercepts.

Option C: f(x) = -6(x+1)(x-5)

This equation has x-intercepts at (-1,0) and (5,0), which are not the same as the given x-intercepts.

Conclusion

Based on the comparison with other options, we can conclude that the correct equation is f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5).

Final Answer

The final answer is f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5).

Q: What are the x-intercepts of the equation f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5)?

A: The x-intercepts of the equation f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5) are at (-1,0) and (-5,0).

Q: What is the y-intercept of the equation f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5)?

A: The y-intercept of the equation f(x) = -6(x+1)(x+5) is at (0,-30).

Q: How do I find the value of a in the equation f(x) = a(x+1)(x+5)?

A: To find the value of a, you can substitute x = 0 into the equation and solve for a. This will give you the value of a.

Q: What is the process for solving for a in the equation f(x) = a(x+1)(x+5)?

A: To solve for a, you can follow these steps:

Substitute x = 0 into the equation: f(0) = a(0 + 1)(0 + 5)
Simplify the equation: f(0) = a(1)(5)
Set f(0) equal to the given y-intercept: 5a = -30
Solve for a: a = -30/5
Simplify the equation: a = -6

Q: How do I know which equation is correct?

A: To determine which equation is correct, you can compare the x-intercepts and y-intercept of each equation with the given information. The equation that matches the given x-intercepts and y-intercept is the correct equation.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving this type of problem?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving this type of problem include:

Not substituting x = 0 into the equation to find the value of a
Not simplifying the equation correctly
Not setting f(0) equal to the given y-intercept
Not solving for a correctly

Q: Can I use this method to solve other types of problems?

A: Yes, this method can be used to solve other types of problems that involve finding the value of a in an equation. However, the specific steps and equations may vary depending on the problem.

Q: What are some real-world applications of this type of problem?

A: This type of problem has many real-world applications, including:

Physics: to model the motion of objects
Engineering: to design and optimize systems
Economics: to model economic systems and make predictions

Q: How can I practice solving this type of problem?

A: You can practice solving this type of problem by working through examples and exercises in a textbook or online resource. You can also try solving problems on your own and checking your answers with a calculator or online tool.