Could someone factor this and explain how they did it? 0= x squared -x -6

full answer below

Step-by-step explanation:

x^2 - x - 6 = 0

<=> x^2 - 3x + 2x - 6 = 0

<=> x(x-3) + 2(x-3) = 0

<=> (x-3)(x+2) = 0

<=> x= 3 or x = 2

if the eqn of the parabola is f(x) = (x-4)(x+2), we need to mult. this out to find the coordinates of the vertex.

then f(x) = x^2 + 2x - 4x - 8, and f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 8.

one way in which you can find the vertex is to calculate x = -b / (2a).   here, that comes to

        )

x = = 1.   f(1) = 1^2 - 2(1) - 8 = - 9.   vertex is at (1, -9).

        2(1) 

find another point on the curve:   let x=0, for which y=-8.   then (0, -8) is on the curve.   plot the vertex and this point and draw a smooth parabola thru both.

hope this