# Thread: finding x intercepts of a parabolla

1. ## finding x intercepts of a parabolla

help...I have been at the following for 3 hours and am so lost

I have the equation y=2x^2-7x-4 and I am trying to find the x and y intercept ( for a parabolla)

I have found the y intercept which is-4 but Im lost on finding the x intercept, would I use the quadratic formula , if so am I correct that this way will give me both intercepts (x and y)

I have tried factoring the above to get x intercept but have got so confused.

not sure now which way to go

Dave

2. ## Re: finding x intercepts of a parabolla

$2x^2 - 7x - 4 = 0$

$(2x + 1)(x - 4) = 0$

finish it

3. ## Re: finding x intercepts of a parabolla

thanks, now I see it

4. ## Re: finding x intercepts of a parabolla

soory I thought I had it, but im still lost, I cant see how you get to your answer in brackets, , and how from there I get the intercepts

Dave

5. ## Re: finding x intercepts of a parabolla

Originally Posted by davellew69
soory I thought I had it, but im still lost, I can`t see how you get to your answer in brackets, , and how from there I get the intercepts

Dave
then you need to learn how to factor quadratic equations and how to use the zero product property ...

Solving Quadratic Equations: Solving by Factoring