Question #N789
The function f(x) is defined as $f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 2$. If the graph of y = f(x) intersects the x-axis at the points (a, 0) and (b, 0), what is the value of a + b?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Correct Answer is: B
The x-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x) occur where the function crosses the x-axis, which means y = 0. So we need to find the roots of the equation f(x) = 0. Factoring the quadratic, we get (x - 1)(x - 2) = 0. Therefore, the roots are x = 1 and x = 2. So, a + b = 1 + 2 = 3.