/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 5 If \(f(x)=a x+b\) with \(a \neq ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

If \(f(x)=a x+b\) with \(a \neq 0,\) how are the zero of \(f\) and the \(x\) -intercept of the graph of \(f\) related?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The zero of \(f(x)\) is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Zero of the Function

To find the zero of the function, we need to solve for the value of \(x\) that makes \(f(x) = 0\). We start with the equation \(f(x) = ax + b\).
02

Setting the Function to Zero

Set the function equal to zero: \(ax + b = 0\). This equation will help us find the value of \(x\) that makes the function zero.
03

Solving for x

Rearrange the equation to solve for \(x\): \(ax = -b\). Next, divide both sides by \(a\) to isolate \(x\): \(x = -\frac{b}{a}\).
04

Identifying the x-intercept

The x-intercept of a graph is the point where the graph crosses the x-axis. At this point, the value of \(y\) is zero, which corresponds to \(f(x) = 0\).
05

Relating Zero to x-intercept

Since the zero of the function is \(x = -\frac{b}{a}\) and this corresponds to the point where the graph crosses the x-axis, the zero of \(f(x)\) is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Zero of a Function
The zero of a function is the point where the function's output is zero. For a given linear function, such as \( f(x) = ax + b \), finding the zero means identifying the \( x \)-value that results in \( f(x) = 0 \). This involves solving the equation \( ax + b = 0 \) to find \( x \).
In simpler words:
  • Set the function equal to zero: \( ax + b = 0 \).
  • Rearrange the equation: \( ax = -b \).
  • Divide by \( a \): \( x = -\frac{b}{a} \).
The point \( x = -\frac{b}{a} \) represents the zero of the function, highlighting where the graph of the function crosses the x-axis.
x-Intercept
The x-intercept is a particular point on the graph of a function where it crosses the x-axis. At this point, the value of the function is zero, hence the terminology "intercept"—indicating an intersection with the x-axis.
Here's how to determine the x-intercept:
  • Recognize that at the x-intercept, \( f(x) = 0 \).
  • Find the value of \( x \) that satisfies this condition.
For the linear function \( f(x) = ax + b \), the x-intercept is determined by the same equation \( ax + b = 0 \), leading to the result \( x = -\frac{b}{a} \). This x-value is crucial because it's where the graph of the function makes contact with the x-axis.
Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations forms the foundation of understanding how functions work, particularly in finding zeros and intercepts. Linear equations are in the form \( ax + b = 0 \), where \( a eq 0 \). The goal in solving them is to find the value of \( x \) by performing a series of algebraic steps.
To solve the equation \( ax + b = 0 \):
  • Firstly, isolate the term containing \( x \) (here \( ax \)) by moving other terms to the opposite side. This involves subtracting \( b \) from both sides, resulting in \( ax = -b \).
  • Finally, divide each side by \( a \) to obtain \( x = -\frac{b}{a} \).
This value is not just a solution to the equation but also represents the zero of the function and its x-intercept, demonstrating the link between solving linear equations and understanding function properties.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.