Esmeralda and Heinz are working to graph a polynomial function, f(x). Esmeralda says that the third degree polynomial has four intercepts. Heinz argues that the function only crosses the x-axis three times. Is there a way for them both to be correct?

Question

anonymous · Answer

A 3rd degree can only have a maximum of 3 x-intercepts...like this|dw:1394849821161:dw|

anonymous · Answer

No...only Heinz can be correct

anonymous · Answer

Ok thank you! How do I explain that he's correct? @BangkokGarrett

anonymous · Answer

Just what I said. A 3rd degree can only have a maximum of 3 x-intercepts. It can't have 4 intercepts.

anonymous · Answer

Oh ok. Thanks again! @BangkokGarrett