What are the \( x \)-intercepts of the given rational function below? \( f(x)=\frac{x-4}{x^{2}+2 x-48} \) \( (5,0) \) and \( (1,0) \) \( (4,0) \) \( (0,0) \) \( (1,0) \)
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The Deep Dive
To find the \( x \)-intercepts of the rational function \( f(x)=\frac{x-4}{x^{2}+2x-48} \), you need to set the numerator equal to zero since \( f(x) = 0 \) when the numerator is zero (and the denominator is not). Here, the numerator is \( x - 4 \), which equals zero when \( x = 4 \). Therefore, the \( x \)-intercept is \( (4,0) \). Now, watch out for common mix-ups! A common mistake is thinking that the denominator can also be zero when finding \( x \)-intercepts. Remember, you only care about the numerator being zero, while the denominator must not equal zero for valid intercepts.