Question

What is the maximum number of points of intersection of the graphs of two different fourth degree polynomial functions $y = p(x)$ and $y = q(x),$ each with leading coefficient $1?$

$1$

$2$

$3$

$4$

$8$

Answer: C

Concepts:polynomial counting intersections

Difficulty rating: 1510

Solution:

The $x$ -coordinates of the intersection points are the roots of $p(x) - q(x).$ Because both leading coefficients are $1,$ the $x^4$ terms cancel, so $p(x) - q(x)$ has degree at most $3$ and therefore at most $3$ roots. The bound is attainable, for example by taking $p(x) = x^4$ and $q(x) = x^4 - x(x-1)(x+1),$ whose graphs intersect at $x = -1, 0, 1.$

Thus, the correct answer is C.

1999 AMC 12 Problem 12

Answer: C

Difficulty rating: 1510

Solution:

Problem 12 in Other Years