The value
x from the
domain of a function
f for which
f(
x) = 0.
Example
The values –2 and 3 are zeros of the function represented below, since
f(–2) = 0 and
f(3) = 0.
Educational Note
The expression
zero of a function should not be confused with the expression
solution to an equation.
In the case of a function
f defined by the equation
y =
x² – 7
x + 12, the values 3 and 4 are the
zeros of the function f since
f(3) =
f(4) = 0.
Also, 3 and 4 are the
solutions to the equation x² – 7
x + 12 = 0.
