Question

question 13 of 40
what are the zeros of the polynomial function $f(x) = x^2 - 5x - 6?$

a. $x = 2$ and $x = 3$
b. $x = -3$ and $x = -2$
c. $x = -6$ and $x = 1$
d. $x = -1$ and $x = 6$

Explanation:

Step1: Set polynomial to zero

$x^2 - 5x - 6 = 0$

Step2: Factor the quadratic

Find two numbers: product = -6, sum = -5 → -6 and 1. So $(x - 6)(x + 1) = 0$

Step3: Solve for x

$x - 6 = 0$ → $x = 6$; $x + 1 = 0$ → $x = -1$

Answer:

D. x = -1 and x = 6