Question

. Part A The first part of Ray and Kelsey's roller coaster is a curved pattern that can be represented by a polynomial function. Ray and Kelsey are working to graph a third-degree polynomial function that represents the first pattern in the coaster plan. Ray says the third-degree polynomial has 4 intercepts. Kelsey argues the function can have as many as 3 zeros only. Is there a way for the both of them to be correct? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

A third degree polynomial can have up to three x-intercepts (3 zeros) but can also have y-intercepts. So if it crosses x-axis 3 times and y once then both are correct.