10
advanced-math

If a>0a > 0 and c<0c < 0 in y=ax2+bx+cy = ax^2 + bx + c, how many x-intercepts are there?

A

2

B

1

C

0

D

Depends on b

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the correct answer.

  1. a>0a > 0: Parabola opens upward.
  2. c<0c < 0: y-intercept is negative (below the x-axis).
  3. Logic: If the graph crosses the y-axis below zero and eventually goes up to infinity on both sides, it MUST cross the x-axis twice (once on the way down, once on the way up).

Choice B is incorrect. Choice C is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect because the geometry guarantees two roots regardless of bb.