Step 2: Use the factor theorem to factorise the expression

We use the factor theorem to nd a factor of f(x) by trial and error:

f(x) = x
3
+ 4x
2
+ x 4
f(1) = (1)
3
+ 4(1)
2
+ (1) 4
= 0
(x 1) is a factor of f(x)
Factorise further by inspection:
f(x) = (x 1)(x
2
+ 3x + 4)
= (x 1)(x
2
3x 4)
= (x 1)(x + 1)(x 4)
The x-intercepts are obtained by letting f(x) = 0:
0 = (x 1)(x + 1)(x 4)
x = 1, x = 1 or x = 4
This gives the points (1; 0), (1; 0) and (4; 0).
Exercise 6 7: Intercepts
1. Given the function f(x) = x
3
+ x
2
10x + 8.
a) Determine the x- and y-intercepts of f(x).
b) Draw a rough sketch of the graph.
c) Is the function increasing or decreasing at x = 5?
2. Determine the x- and y-intercepts for each of the following:
a) y = x
3
5x
2
+ 9x + 45
b) y = x
3

5
4
x
2

7
4
x +
1
2
c) y = x
3
x
2
12x + 12
d) y = x
3
16x
e) y = x
3
5x
2
+ 6
3. Determine all intercepts for g(x) = x
3
+ 3x
2
10x and draw a rough sketch of
the graph.
4. More questions. Sign in at Everything Maths online and click Practise Maths.
Check answers online with the exercise code below or click on show me the answer.
1. 28XR 2a. 28XS 2b. 28XT 2c. 28XV 2d. 28XW 2e. 28XX
3. 28XY
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232 6.6. Sketching graphs