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Correct answer: 2
Let us define Then the given line intersects the graph of exactly where .
We are given: So, and
Also, the line intersects the graph of at only two distinct points in . Hence, in the open interval , the equation has exactly two distinct roots. Let them be and with
Thus, has the four distinct zeros:
Now we apply Rolle's theorem repeatedly.
1. Zeros of
Since is differentiable on each closed subinterval and continuous everywhere, by Rolle's theorem:
- on , there exists such that
- on , there exists such that
- on , there exists such that
These are three distinct points because they lie in disjoint intervals.
2. Zeros of
Now . Again by Rolle's theorem:
- on , there exists such that
- on , there exists such that
So there are at least two distinct points in where
But Hence, there are at least two distinct points in such that
3. Least number
The above argument guarantees at least 2 such points. This bound is also the least possible.
Therefore, the least number of points is
4. Comparison with stored answer
Stored correct answer: .
Our derived answer matches the stored answer.
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