Finding the x-intercepts of a parabola can be a fun challenge! Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Set Your Equation to Zero: Start with your quadratic equation. It looks like this: $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ To find the x-intercepts, change $y$ to 0: $0 = ax^2 + bx + c$

2. Use the Quadratic Formula: A simple way to solve for $x$ is to use the quadratic formula: $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$

   Inside the formula, $b^2 - 4ac$ is called the discriminant. This part helps you know how many x-intercepts there are:

   • If it’s positive, you have two x-intercepts.
   • If it’s zero, there’s one intercept (where the peak of the parabola touches the x-axis).
   • If it’s negative, there are no real x-intercepts.

3. Graphing: Sometimes, drawing the parabola can help you see the x-intercepts. It’s easy to spot where the curve crosses the x-axis!

So, whether you want to do the math or draw it out, you’ll find those x-intercepts in no time!