Answer to Question #5126 in Abstract Algebra for Bailey

Question

A polynomial function P(x) has degree n. the graph in the standard (x,y) coordinate plane of y = P(x) contains exactly 3 points on the x-axis. Which of the following could NOT be the value of n?
6, 5, 4, 3, 2

Answer 1

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As the graph has 3 points of intersection with the x-axis, that's why 2 could
not be the degree
of the polinomial (parabola can have no more than 2 points
of intersection). Numbers 6, 5, 4
and 3 can be a degree of the polinomial.