Question

1. Given f (x ) = x^ 2 - 4 , if f (x ) = 0, find x.

Answer 1

f(x) = x^2 - 4
0 = x^2 - 4
0 = (x + 2)(x - 2)

Finish solving for x.

Answer 2

I factor? Do I factor every time I put a number in for f(x) ?

Answer 3

You only factor if it is possible.

Answer 4

For this setup, the appropriate alternative to factoring is completing the square if you cannot factor.