What is the Zero of a Function? Definition and Examples


The zero of a function is an x-value that makes a function evaluates to zero when the x-value is substituted into the function.

A zero of a function is always a value located on the x-axis of a coordinate system.

A Few Examples Showing the Zero(s) of a Function


1.

The zero of the linear function f(x) = 5x + 10 is x = -2

5(-2) + 10 = -10 + 10 = 0

2.

The zeros of f(x) = x2 - 16 are x = 4 and x = -4

42 - 16 = 16 - 16 = 0

(-4)2 - 16 = 16 - 16 = 0

Notice that it is not possible to find the zeros of the exponential function f(x) = ex

No matter what number you replace x with, you could never get the exponential function to evaluate to zero.

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Math words beginning with the letter z

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