Which of the following could be the multiplicity of a zero whose graph touches the x-axis then turns back?
0
3
2
1
The multiplicity of a zero is the number of times that the zero appears as a solution to the equation.
If the graph of the zero touches the x-axis at a given point (x, 0), but then turns back and does not cross the x-axis, this indicates that the zero has an even multiplicity. This is because if the zero had an odd multiplicity, it would cross the x-axis at that point.
Therefore, the answer is 2, since it represents an even multiplicity.