Question:

Observe the graph of polynomial p(x). Number of zeroes of p(x) is

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Be careful not to include the point of intersection on the vertical \(y\)-axis when counting the zeroes of a polynomial in \(x\).
Zeroes are only found where the curve intersects or touches the horizontal \(x\)-axis (where \(y = 0\)).
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The topic of this question is Polynomials, specifically focusing on the graphical interpretation of their zeroes.
The zeroes of a polynomial \(p(x)\) are the values of \(x\) for which \(p(x) = 0\).
When we plot the graph of \(y = p(x)\) on a Cartesian coordinate system, the zeroes correspond to the points where the curve intersects or touches the horizontal \(x\)-axis.
We are asked to find the number of zeroes of the polynomial \(p(x)\) by observing its given graph.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
To find the number of zeroes of the polynomial \(p(x)\) from its graph:
- Look at the horizontal \(x\)-axis.
- Count the total number of distinct points where the graph intersects (crosses) or touches the \(x\)-axis.
- Ignore any intersection points with the vertical \(y\)-axis, as they represent \(p(0)\), which is not a zero of the polynomial.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Let us analyze the given graph of \(y = p(x)\) by tracing the curve from left to right along the \(x\)-axis:

• Point 1: The curve crosses the negative \(x\)-axis at one point on the left side of the origin. This represents the first real zero of the polynomial.

• Point 2: The curve crosses the positive \(x\)-axis at a point near the origin. This represents the second real zero of the polynomial.

• Point 3: After going below the \(x\)-axis and crossing the negative \(y\)-axis, the curve turns upwards and crosses the positive \(x\)-axis once more. This represents the third real zero of the polynomial.

• Count the total number of intersections with the horizontal \(x\)-axis:
The curve intersects the \(x\)-axis at exactly 3 distinct points.
Therefore, the polynomial \(p(x)\) has exactly 3 real zeroes.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The number of zeroes of the polynomial \(p(x)\) is 3.
Therefore, the correct option is (D).
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