Answer:
The zeros of this function are -2 and 4.
No, only one zero makes sense in terms of the problem. Because there is no negative distance from the platform.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zeros are solutions, are x-intercepts. see image. When the diver is 0 feet (horizontally) from the platform, they are 8 feet up above the surface of the water. Once they jump, they are moving in a curved path that is half of a parabola. The zeros are where the diver is 0 feet above the water. We can calculate an answer of -2 but the diver is not going backwards (yikes! the pool side deck surface, ouch!) The diver will be 4 feet out (horizontally) from the platform when they hit the water. see image.
Solving:
set the function equal to 0.
Factor.
Set each factor equal to zero.
Solve. see image.
