5

Set 6: Quadratic Equations (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: A

If a parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point, then:

A.

The vertex is on the x-axis

✓ Correct
B.

The discriminant is negative

C.

It has two distinct roots

D.

It opens downward

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. If a parabola touches the x-axis at only one point, that point must be the vertex (it is tangent to the axis). This corresponds to a discriminant of zero. Choice B is incorrect because a negative discriminant means no x-intercepts. Choice C is incorrect because it has one repeated root. Choice D is incorrect because it could open upward or downward.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is The vertex is on the x-axis

Why others are wrong:
B: Choice B is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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