The quadratic function [tex]f(x)[/tex] has roots of -4 and 2, and the point (1, -5) lies on [tex]f(x)[/tex]. What is the equation of [tex]f(x)[/tex]?

A. [tex]f(x) = (x - 2)(x + 4)[/tex]
B. [tex]f(x) = (x - 2)(x - 4)[/tex]
C. [tex]f(x) = 4(x - 2)(x + 4)[/tex]
D. [tex]f(x) = 4(x - 2)(x - 4)[/tex]



Answer :

Alright, let's find the quadratic function \( f(x) \) given its roots and a point that lies on it.

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. Identify the form of the quadratic function:
Since the function has given roots \( -4 \) and \( 2 \), we can express it in the form:

[tex]\[ f(x) = a(x + 4)(x - 2) \][/tex]

where \( a \) is a constant multiplier that we need to determine.

2. Substitute the given point \( (1, -5) \) into the equation:
This point means that when \( x = 1 \), \( f(x) = -5 \).

So, substitute \( x = 1 \) and \( f(x) = -5 \) into the quadratic equation:

[tex]\[ -5 = a(1 + 4)(1 - 2) \][/tex]

3. Simplify the equation to solve for \( a \):
[tex]\[ -5 = a(5)(-1) \][/tex]
[tex]\[ -5 = -5a \][/tex]

Now, divide both sides by \(-5\) to isolate \( a \):

[tex]\[ a = 1 \][/tex]

4. Substitute \( a \) back into the quadratic equation:
Now that we've determined \( a \) is 1, we can substitute it back into the equation:

[tex]\[ f(x) = 1(x + 4)(x - 2) \][/tex]

Which simplifies to:

[tex]\[ f(x) = (x + 4)(x - 2) \][/tex]

5. Check the options provided:
Given the question's options, the correct one that matches our derived equation is:

[tex]\[ f(x) = (x - 2)(x + 4) \][/tex]

Therefore, the equation of the quadratic function is:

[tex]\[ f(x) = (x - 2)(x + 4) \][/tex]