Stanley analyzes the table of values for a polynomial function. He has determined through applying Descartes’ rule of sign that there is 1 negative real zero, and either 1 or 3 positive real zeros. He has also determined that the upper bound of the function is 3. a. What is the degree of the polynomial function? How can you tell?
b. How many positive real zeros does the function have? How can you tell?

A. The degree of the function is at least 4

B. At least 3 positive real zeros

Step-by-step explanation:

From the table we can see that the value of the polynomial function is first negative, then positive (1 intersection with x-axis), then again negative (second intersection with x-axis), then again positive (third intersection with x-axis), and at last again negative (fourth intersection with x-axis).

The point of intersection with x-axis corresponds to the zero of the function (f(x)=0). Since the graph of the function intersects 4 times the x-axis, the degree of the polynomial function is at least 4.

the first point of intersection with x-axis has negative x-coordinate. All other points have positive x-coordinates. This means the function has zt least 3 positive real zeros.