15
QuizMultiple Choice

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra — Quiz

Question 15 • Mathematics III

How many x -intercepts appear on the graph of this polynomial function? f of x is equal to x to the 4th power minus 5 x squared

Answer
A
3 x -intercepts
B
2 x -intercepts
C
4 x -intercepts
D
1 x -intercept

Explanation

Set the function equal to zero to find its x-intercepts: x⁴ − 5x² = x²(x² − 5) = 0. The solutions are x = 0 and x = ±√5, giving three distinct x-intercepts; x = 0 counts as one intercept even though it is a repeated root. Therefore, the graph has 3 x-intercepts.

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