Thread: Roots of a polynomial

Prove that the polynomial x^6+x^4-5x^2+1 has at least four real roots.

Originally Posted by friday616

Prove that the polynomial x^6+x^4-5x^2+1 has at least four real roots.

Plug in a few numbers like -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 etc. and apply the Intermediate Value Theorem. If the y-values change sign on any given interval then the poly has at least one zero on that interval.

Good luck!