>>1474605Use Desmos, dumbass.
>why setting y to zero gives me the limits to the integralThe question says "x-axis". The x axis is y=0. The function is a 3rd order polynomial. You're already given its easier to digest form of x(x-1)(x+2), telling you that it intersects with the x axis (the values of x which make the function equal to 0) at x=0, x=1, x=-2.
>>1474622Yes. You have 2 regions, one above the x axis and one below. If you integrate the one above, you'll get a positive result. If you integrate the one below, you'll get a negative result. If you integrate the whole region, you'll get the one subtracted by the other. You're asked to find the area enclosed. Area is a positive measure. You need to integrate between -2 and 0, and between 0 and 1, separately, and take their absolute value. That makes the area above the axis and the area below the axis. Sum them up.
