Find where the equation y = x^2 + x - 2 crosses the x-axis.

First, notice that any equation crosses the x-axis when y = 0.Second, notice that x2 + x - 2 = 0 is an example of a quadratic equation. So, we generally do 1 of 3 things (Factorise, Complete the square or use the Quadratic formula.)First test if it can be factorized. Look at all the ways 2 can be split, in this case ( 2 x 1 )Then, try finding pairs of these that add to make 1 and multiply to make -2, in this case ( +2 & -1) therefore, we can factorise:(x - 1)(x + 2) = 0Then solve, x - 1 = 0 and x + 2 = 0, which gives x = 1 and x = -2So, x2 + x - 2 = 0 crosses x-axis at x = 1 and x = -2

Answered by Asad R. Maths tutor

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