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algebra intermediate
Problem
The graph of the parabola has an -intercept and two -intercepts and . Find .
Solution
An -intercept is a point on the graph that lies on the -axis, so . When , , so .
A -intercept is a point on the graph that lies on the -axis, so . Hence, the -intercepts correspond to the real roots of the quadratic equation . By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots of this quadratic is , so .
Therefore, .
A -intercept is a point on the graph that lies on the -axis, so . Hence, the -intercepts correspond to the real roots of the quadratic equation . By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots of this quadratic is , so .
Therefore, .
Final answer
6