determine the intercepts (x and y)

(1-x^2)(x^2-5)

Question

determine the intercepts (x and y)

(1-x^2)(x^2-5)

anonymous · Answer

ok i was giving the function just like this i was wondering since its already factorized if i'm just to solve each individual bracket for x

anonymous · Answer

yes it is in factored form almost 
$$1-x^2=(1+x)(1-x)$$ so that part has zeros of 1 and-1

anonymous · Answer

$$x^2-5=(x+\sqrt{5})(x-\sqrt{5})$$ which has zeros at 
$$\pm\sqrt{5}$$

anonymous · Answer

so you have 4 zeros, $$1,-1,\sqrt{5}, -\sqrt{5}$$

anonymous · Answer

those are the x - intercepts.  so get the y - intercept set x = 0 and get -5 from your eyeballs making the y- intercept (0,-5)

anonymous · Answer

i dont mutiply because it would still end up being the same thing right?

anonymous · Answer

oh heck no!

anonymous · Answer

do not multiply you will only have to factor afterward.  to find the zeros you want things in factored form!

anonymous · Answer

of course you will get the same zeros but you will have to factor to get them so by all means do not multiply out first

anonymous · Answer

oh ok thanks satlitte greatly appreciated