Equation Degree Sketch Approximate roots

5*+4-0

In Exercise 1, how many real roots did you find for polynomial equations
of degree 2? of degree 3? of degree 4? '
Make a conjecture relating the number of real roots and the degree of a
polynomial equation. ;

Use the results of Exercise 1 and try additional equations as needed to

answer the following questions.
a. "Does the graph of a second-degree polynomial equation always
intersect Hie jtf-axis in two places?
b. Does the graph of a second-degree polynomial equation always
intersect the jo-axis at least once?_;
c. If a second-degree polynomial equation does not intersect the x-axls,
what is true about the roots of that equation?

d. Does a third-degree polynomial equation always intersect the jo-axis in

three places? : r. . .
e. Does a third-degree polynomial equation always have three real roots?.

3. Experiment with the graphs of polynomial equations of degree greater than

four. Make a conjecture about the maximum number of real roots and the
degree of a polynomial equation, ,_,.,-

ACTIVITY 21-