Descartes' rule of Signs by GreeneMath.com

What is Descartes' Rule of Signs used for?

• Finding the exact number of real zeros for a polynomial function

• Determining the possible number of positive and negative real zeros for a polynomial function

• Solving quadratic equations

• Finding the degree of a polynomial

Before applying Descartes' Rule of Signs, which of the following conditions must be met for the polynomial function?

• The polynomial must have only real coefficients and a non-zero constant term

• The polynomial must be quadratic

• The polynomial must have only positive terms

• The polynomial must have an even degree

• 2

• 3

• 1

• 0

How do you determine the number of possible negative real solutions using Descartes' Rule of Signs?

• By counting sign changes in the polynomial as it is

• By plugging in positive values for x

• By plugging in negative values for x and counting sign changes

• By finding the degree of the polynomial

Which exponents cause the sign of a term to change when plugging in −x into a polynomial?

• Even exponents

• Odd exponents

• Only the first exponent

• None of the exponents affect the sign

What is the total number of solutions (real or complex) for a polynomial with degree 5?

• 3

• 5

• 2

• 4

When considering imaginary solutions, how do they typically occur in polynomial equations?

• Individually

• In conjugate pairs

• Only in polynomials with an odd degree

• Only in polynomials without real coefficients

For a fourth-degree polynomial, how many possible real and imaginary solutions are there in total?

• 4

• 3

• 2

• 1

• 0

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 0