1999 AHSME Problems/Problem 12
Problem
What is the maximum number of points of intersection of the graphs of two different fourth degree polynomial functions $y \equal{} p(x)$ (Error compiling LaTeX. Unknown error_msg) and $y \equal{} q(x)$ (Error compiling LaTeX. Unknown error_msg), each with leading coefficient 1?
Solution
Finding the number of solutions to 
will find the number of intersections of the two graphs.
Since the two graphs are fourth degree polynomials, then, by they can have at most 
intersections (real solutions), leading to an answer of 
.
See Also
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