f(x) = 2x10-3x8+4x6-x4+3x2-2
Since the coefficients of f(x) change sign 5 times, then by Descartes Rule of Signs, f(x) has 5, 3, or 1 positive roots
f(-x) = 2(-x)10-3(-x)8+4(-x)6-(-x)4+3(-x)2-2
= 2x10-3x8+4x6-x4+3x2-2
Since the coefficients of f(-x) change sign 5 times, then by Descartes Rule of Signs, f(x) has 5, 3, or 1 negative roots.
Since f(x) has degree 10, f(x) has 10 roots (including repetitions).
So, there are several possibilities
Positive Roots Negative Roots Imaginary Roots
Case 1 5 5 0
Case 2 5 3 2
Case 3 5 1 4
Case 4 3 5 2
Case 5 3 3 4
Case 6 3 1 6
Case 7 1 5 4
Case 8 1 3 6
Case 9 1 1 8
Mark M.
12/13/15