Maximum number of roots? Algebra

Question

Find the maximum number of roots of P(x) = 2x² + 14x - 7.
Question options:

a) 1

b) 2

c) 3

d) 4

Answer 1

Hi Lizzie,

The maximum number of roots is based on the degree of a polynomial.

The degree is determined by the largest exponent of x in the function.

In this function, the largest exponent is x², so the degree is =2.

 

A polynomial with a degree of 2 has 2 possible roots, which means the graph will cross the x axis 2 times.