A function f(x) has x-intercept of -3 and -5. What is the constant term in the function? f(x) = x² + 8x + ___

Solution:

Given: Function f(x) = x² + 8x + ___

Let us consider the constant term as b

f(x) = x² + 8x + b

Where b is the y intercept or the constant term

We know that,

X-intercept is the value of x when the function value is zero

For x = -3 we get f(x) =0

For x = -5 we get f(x) = 0

By substituting one of the intercepts in the given function

f(-3) = (-3)² + 8(-3) + b

0 = 9 - 24 + b

0 = -15 + b

b = 15

f(x) = x² + 8x + 15

Therefore, the constant term in the function is 15.

A function f(x) has x-intercept of -3 and -5. What is the constant term in the function? f(x) = x² + 8x + ___

Summary:

A function f(x) has x-intercept of -3 and -5. The constant term in the function  f(x) = x² + 8x + ___ is 15.