HELP! Medal! Esmeralda and Heinz both work in a science lab. In order to secure funding for their future experiments, they must present their findings to some investors. The investors are not interested in listening to formulas. They want to see graphs because they are visual people. Unfortunately, Esmeralda and Heinz are having some difficulties.
1. 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? Explain

Question

HELP! Medal! Esmeralda and Heinz both work in a science lab. In order to secure funding for their future experiments, they must present their findings to some investors. The investors are not interested in listening to formulas. They want to see graphs because they are visual people. Unfortunately, Esmeralda and Heinz are having some difficulties.
1.	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? Explain

anonymous · Answer

@phi

phi · Answer

depends what Esmeralda means by  four intercepts

you can have x-intercepts and y-intercepts

a 3rd degree polynomial can only have 3 x-intercepts
but it can also have a y intercept
making 4 intercepts in all

anonymous · Answer

So she can't be right? @phi

phi · Answer

re-read what I posted.   If she means x-intercepts AND y-intercepts, she is correct
Heinz means there are just 3 X-intercepts. (which is correct)

there is also a y-intercept, so there are 3 x-intercepts and 1 y-intercept, and 4 "intercepts" all together.

anonymous · Answer

thanks

anonymous · Answer

can you help me with a few questions related to this?