Chapter 5 Polynomials and Polynomial Functions - 5.7 Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra - 5.7 Exercises - Skill Practice - Page 383: 8

12

The fundamental theorem of algebra (page 379) states that if a polynomial has a degree n (where n is the power of the highest exponent), the number of the solutions of that polynomial will be equal to n, given that n is greater than zero. Note, this assumes that solutions that appear multiple times (repeated solutions) are counted each time. Thus, since this polynomial has a degree of 12, the number of possible solutions is 12.