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Advanced MathMediumFunction from its zeros and y-intercept

Advanced Math practice question

A quadratic function has zeros at x = 2 and x = −3, and its graph crosses the y-axis at (0, −6). Which equation defines the function?

  1. A. y = (x − 2)(x + 3)Correct
  2. B. y = (x + 2)(x − 3)
  3. C. y = −(x − 2)(x + 3)
  4. D. y = (x − 2)(x − 3)

Answer: A. y = (x − 2)(x + 3)

Zeros 2 and −3 give factors (x − 2)(x + 3). At x = 0 this is (−2)(3) = −6 ✓.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. y = (x + 2)(x − 3)
(x + 2)(x − 3) has zeros −2 and 3.
C. y = −(x − 2)(x + 3)
The negative sign gives y-intercept +6, not −6.
D. y = (x − 2)(x − 3)
(x − 2)(x − 3) has zeros 2 and 3 and y-intercept 6.

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