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If f(x) is a linear function with the domain of all real numbers, which statement cannot be true?

A. The graph of f(x) has zero x-intercepts.
B. The graph of f(x) has exactly one x-intercept.
C. The graph of f(x) has exactly two x-intercepts.
D. The graph of f(x) has infinitely many x-intercepts.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The graph of a linear function cannot have exactly two x-intercepts because a linear function, represented by a straight line, can only intersect the x-axis at one point or be parallel (with zero or infinitely many x-intercepts).

Step-by-step explanation:

A linear function such as f(x) with the domain of all real numbers is represented graphically by a straight line. For a linear function, we can encounter different scenarios related to its intersections with the x-axis:

  • If the linear function is not horizontal (i.e., has a non-zero slope), it will cross the x-axis at exactly one point, signifying exactly one x-intercept.
  • If the linear function is horizontal (i.e., has a zero slope), it may either coincide with the x-axis (infinitely many x-intercepts) or it will not touch the x-axis at all (zero x-intercepts), depending on its y-intercept value.

Considering these points, the graph of a linear function cannot have exactly two x-intercepts because a straight line cannot bend to touch the x-axis twice. Therefore, the statement The graph of f(x) has exactly two x-intercepts cannot be true.

User Egor Neliuba
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