The curve y=x^2+bx+c cuts the x axis at points P(2,0) and Q(6,0) and the y axis at R. Find the b and c and the coordinates of point R, the y intercept.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Use the values for x and y that correspond to the points:
For P, x=2 and y=0 you will have equation 1
For Q, x=6 and y=0 find equation 2

campbell_st · Answer

why not just say 

y = (x - 2)(x - 6) 

distribute and then you should have an answer

campbell_st · Answer

at a guess b = -8, c = 12 and R(0, 12)

anonymous · Answer

There are many ways to solve it, but the student have to use the techniques within reach. You are using factorization because you intuitively recognized it. I doubt many highschool students would be able to do that.