PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 767: Answer and Explanation

Question: 767

At what x-values does the function y = x(x – 5)(x + 2) intersect the x-axis?

• A. -10
• B. 0, 3, 12
• C. 2, -5
• D. 0, 5, -2

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) A function intersects the x-axis at its roots, where y = 0: this will occur when any of these three factors equals 0. Set each factor equal to 0 to determine the x-values:
x = 0
x - 5 = 0 so x = 5
x + 2 = 0 so x = - 2
Therefore, the three x-values are 0, 5, and -2, which is choice (D).