ACT Problem: Finding The x-Intercept Of Given Line

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SUMMARY

The x-intercept of the graph of the function \(y = x^2 - 4x + 4\) is definitively found to be at the point \((2, 0)\). This conclusion is reached through two methods: using the vertex formula \(x = \frac{-b}{2a}\) with \(a = 1\) and \(b = -4\), which yields \(x = 2\), and by factoring the quadratic equation to \((x - 2)^2 = 0\), confirming a repeated root at \(x = 2\). Both methods demonstrate that the graph touches the x-axis at this intercept without crossing it.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic functions and their standard form \(ax^2 + bx + c\)
  • Familiarity with the vertex formula for parabolas
  • Knowledge of factoring quadratic equations
  • Basic graphing skills, including interpreting x-intercepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of quadratic functions, focusing on their graphs and intercepts
  • Learn about the implications of root multiplicity in polynomial functions
  • Explore the method of completing the square for different quadratic equations
  • Utilize graphing tools like Desmos to visualize quadratic functions and their intercepts
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Students preparing for the ACT, educators teaching algebra, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of quadratic equations and their graphical representations.

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What is the x-intercept of the graph of y = x2 – 4x + 4?

How would you foil this?
 
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Re: ACT problem

To find the x intercept of the graph of the function $y = x^2 – 4x + 4$

We may either use the completing the square method or we may use the formula $x=\frac{-b}{2a}$

The easiest way is to use $x=\frac{-b}{2a}$

From $y = x^2 – 4x + 4$ which is in the form of $ax^2+bx+c$ we can find the values for $b$ and $a$ as $b=-4$ & $a=1$

$-b$ in the formula stands for the opposite of the value of $b$ in the above form.

$x=\frac{-(-4)}{2*1}$
$x=\frac{4}{2}$
$x=2$

using complete the square method to form the graph of the function of the form $y=\pm(x+b)^2+c$ or the vertex form

$y= (x^2 – 4x+(\frac{b}{2})^2 ) + 4 - (\frac{b}{2})^2 ) $
$ y=(x^2 – 4x+(\frac{-4}{2})^2 ) + 4 - (\frac{-4}{2})^2 ) $
$ y=(x^2 – 4x+4 ) + 4 - 4 $
$y=(x-2)^2$

which now the x means -b which is 2.

Now it can be seen using Desmos one $x$ intercept of both the forms is $(2,0)$

[graph]gf10si3evs[/graph]
 
Last edited:
Re: ACT problem

816318 said:
What is the x-intercept of the graph of y = x2 – 4x + 4?

How would you foil this?

To find the $x$-intercept, we can set $y=0$ and solve for $x$:

$$x^2-4x+4=0$$

To factor, we need to look for two factors of 4 whose sum is -4, and we find:

$$(-2)(-2)=4$$

$$(-2)+(-2)=-4$$

Thus, the factored form is:

$$(x-2)(x-2)=0$$

or:

$$(x-2)^2=0$$

We have a repeated root, of multiplicity 2. Since the multiplicity is even, we know the graph will touch the $x$-axis without passing through it. Equating this factor to zero, we find:

$$x-2=0$$

$$x=2$$

Thus, we know the given graph has one $x$-intercept at $(2,0)$.
 
Re: ACT problem

$$x^2-4x+4=x^2-2x-2x+4=x(x-2)-2(x-2)=(x-2)(x-2)=0\implies x=2$$
 

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