Question:
The graph of a polynomial y = f(x), shown in Fig. 2.18. Find the number of real zeros of f(x).
Solution:
A real number $\alpha$ is a zero of polynomial $f(x)$, if $f(\alpha)=0$
In the above figure the curve intersects x-axis at one point and touches at one point
When a curve touches x-axis at one point, it means it has two common zeros at that point
Hence the number of real zeroes is 3