Provide an appropriate response.
-What is the maximum number of x intercepts that a polynomial of degree 2 can have?
A) 3
B) 2
C) 1
D) Not enough information is given.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A polynomial of degree 2 is a quadratic function, which can have a maximum of 2 x-intercepts. This is because a quadratic function is shaped like a parabola, which can cross the x-axis at most twice. Option A is incorrect as a quadratic function can have at most 2 x-intercepts. Option C is incorrect as a quadratic function may have 1 x-intercept or none at all. Option D is also incorrect as the information given is sufficient. A polynomial of degree 2 can have a maximum of two x intercepts. This is because a quadratic equation can be written in the form ax^2 + bx + c, and its graph is a parabola. A parabola can intersect the x-axis in at most two points, unless it is a perfect square trinomial which results in two x intercepts being the same value.

Provide an Appropriate Response