( please help) The points plotted below are on the graph of a polynomial. Which of the following x-values is the best approximation of a root of the polynomial? Check all that apply.
options are
x=0.8
x = -5.1
x = -3.7
x = -6
x = 2.4
x = 3.7

Question

( please help) The points plotted below are on the graph of a polynomial. Which of the following x-values is the best approximation of a root of the polynomial? Check all that apply.
options are 
x=0.8 
x = -5.1
x = -3.7
x = -6
x = 2.4
x = 3.7

anonymous · Answer

attachment

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

the roots are the points where the graph crosses the x axis

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

so a good approximation is drawing a line through each point that is on either side of the x axis (the closest points to the x axis)

then seeing where that line crosses

anonymous · Answer

is there any way you could give me an example ?

anonymous · Answer

i just want to be sure

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

say we had this graph

|dw:1371595762458:dw|

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

if we connect the points, we get this

|dw:1371595810456:dw|