We consider functions of the form f(x=∑j=1ncjx+ajp, where where a1>c⃛>an≥0. A version of Descartes's rule of signs applies. Further, if Cj=∑i=1jci and Cn=0, then the number of zeros of f is bounded by the number of sign changes of Cj. The estimate is reduced by 1 for each relation of the form ∑j=1ncjajr=0.