Unit G Summary #9: X-Intercept

9. Describe how to find the x-intercepts of a rational function. Include both the long way and the shortcut way, explaining why the shortcut makes mathematical sense.

To find the x intercept of a rational function we must get f(x) to be y and set it to equal to 0 because x-intercepts always have the y-value equal 0. If the function is a fraction type then you must divide both sides by the denominator. When y=0 that means if you multiply the denominator the it equals 0 and you can solve for x.  The short cut is to skip the part of multiplying denominator to both sides and just solve for x because the denominator multiplies to zero. That way you get x faster without doing the steps.