A polynomial equation includes the term 8x^5. According to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, which statement must be true?
the equation has at least 5 roots
the equation has more than 5 roots
all the roots of the equation are real
the equation has an odd number of real roots
According to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, a polynomial equation of degree n will have exactly n roots.
Therefore, given that the polynomial equation includes the term 8x^5, we can conclude that the equation has at least 5 roots.
Hence, the correct statement is: the equation has at least 5 roots.