Questions: At how many points does the graph of the function below intersect the x axis?
y=2x^2-7x+7
A. 1 B. 2 C. 0
Transcript text: At how many points does the graph of the function below intersect the $x$ axis?
\[
y=2 x^{2}-7 x+7
\]
A. 1
B. 2
C. 0
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the type of equation
The given equation is a quadratic function of the form \( y = ax^{2} + bx + c \), where \( a = 2 \), \( b = -7 \), and \( c = 7 \).
Step 2: Determine the discriminant
The discriminant (\( D \)) of a quadratic equation \( ax^{2} + bx + c = 0 \) is given by:
\[
D = b^{2} - 4ac
\]
Substitute the values of \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \):
\[
D = (-7)^{2} - 4(2)(7) = 49 - 56 = -7
\]
Step 3: Analyze the discriminant
If \( D > 0 \), the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots, meaning the graph intersects the \( x \)-axis at two points.
If \( D = 0 \), the quadratic equation has exactly one real root, meaning the graph touches the \( x \)-axis at one point.
If \( D < 0 \), the quadratic equation has no real roots, meaning the graph does not intersect the \( x \)-axis.
Since \( D = -7 < 0 \), the graph does not intersect the \( x \)-axis.