Exactly one
Exactly two
Infinitely many
Zero
Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is correct. The number of solutions of a quadratic equation of the form , where , , and are constants, can be determined by the value of the discriminant, . If the value of the discriminant is positive, then the quadratic equation has exactly two distinct real solutions. If the value of the discriminant is equal to zero, then the quadratic equation has exactly one real solution. If the value of the discriminant is negative, then the quadratic equation has zero real solutions. In the given equation, , , , and . Substituting these values for , , and in yields , or . Since the value of its discriminant is negative, the given equation has zero real solutions. Therefore, the number of distinct real solutions the given equation has is zero.
Desmos solution:
Note: Graph the quadratic and y=0, then count the intersection points to determine the number of real solutions.
Enter in Desmos:
Reviewed and rewritten by CookSAT
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.