Question #N934

The function *f* is defined by *f*(x) = x^2 + 3x - 4. What are the *x*-intercepts of the graph of *y* = *f*(x) in the *xy*-plane?
A. -4 and 1
B. -1 and 4
C. 0 and 4
D. 1 and -4

Correct Answer is: B

The *x*-intercepts of the graph of *y* = *f*(x) occur when *y* = 0. So we need to solve the equation 0 = x^2 + 3x - 4. Factoring this quadratic equation, we get 0 = (x + 4)(x - 1). Therefore, the *x*-intercepts are at *x* = -4 and *x* = 1.