Question

When a real zero x = a of a polynomial function fis of even multiplicity, the graph of f ---Select-- the x-axis at x = a, and when it is of odd multiplicity, the
graph of f ---Select-- the x-axis at x = a.

Answer 1

Answer:

touches

crosses

Step-by-step explanation:

$x=a$ is said to be a zero of a function $f(x)$ if $f(a)=0$

A zero say $x=a$ has a "multiplicity" equal to $n$, if the factor $(x-a)^n$ appears in the polynomial.

When a real zero $x=a$ of a polynomial function $f$ is of even multiplicity, the graph of $f$ touches the x-axis at $x=a$, and when it is of odd multiplicity, the

graph of $f$ crosses the x-axis at $x=a$.