ACT Problem: Finding The x-Intercept Of Given Line

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the x-intercept of the quadratic function y = x² – 4x + 4. Participants explore various methods for determining the x-intercept, including factoring, completing the square, and using the vertex formula. The context is primarily mathematical reasoning related to a problem typically encountered in standardized testing.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the formula $x=\frac{-b}{2a}$ to find the x-intercept, identifying $b=-4$ and $a=1$, leading to $x=2$.
  • Another participant proposes setting $y=0$ and solving the equation $x^2-4x+4=0$, ultimately factoring it to $(x-2)^2=0$, which also yields $x=2$.
  • A different approach is presented that involves factoring the quadratic directly, arriving at the same conclusion of $x=2$.
  • Participants note that the x-intercept occurs at the point (2,0) and mention that the graph touches the x-axis at this point due to the even multiplicity of the root.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the x-intercept is at (2,0) and that the function has a repeated root. However, the methods used to arrive at this conclusion vary, and no consensus on a single preferred method is established.

Contextual Notes

Some participants employ different methods (factoring, completing the square, and using the vertex formula), which may imply varying assumptions about the best approach to solving the problem. The discussion does not resolve which method is superior.

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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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