Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every non-constant polynomial function of degree n has exactly n roots in the complex number system, counting multiplicities. This means that for a cubic polynomial like f(x) = 3x^3 + 6x^2 + x + 7, there will be three roots, which can be real or complex.
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Descarte's Rule of Signs
Descarte's Rule of Signs provides a method to determine the number of positive and negative real roots of a polynomial. By counting the number of sign changes in the polynomial's coefficients for positive roots and for f(-x) for negative roots, one can infer the possible counts of these roots, which helps in analyzing the function's behavior.
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Complex Conjugate Root Theorem
The Complex Conjugate Root Theorem states that if a polynomial has real coefficients, any nonreal complex roots must occur in conjugate pairs. This means that if a polynomial has one nonreal complex root, it will also have its conjugate as a root, which is essential for determining the total number of real and nonreal roots of the polynomial.
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