Polynomial End Behavior

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) raised to whole number exponents and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial.

Front

How do you determine the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is determined by the highest exponent of the variable in the polynomial.

Front

What is the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Back

The end behavior of a polynomial function describes how the function behaves as the input values approach positive or negative infinity.

Front

What factors determine the end behavior of a polynomial?

Back

The end behavior of a polynomial is determined by the degree of the polynomial and the sign of the leading coefficient.

Front

If a polynomial has a positive leading coefficient and an even degree, what is its end behavior?

Back

The end behavior will be: Left up and Right up.

Front

If a polynomial has a negative leading coefficient and an odd degree, what is its end behavior?

Back

The end behavior will be: Left up and Right down.

Front

What is the end behavior of the polynomial f(x) = -3x^2 - 5x - 4?

Back

The end behavior is: Left up and Right up.

Front

What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial f(x) = 2x^3 + 4x - 5?

Back

The leading coefficient is 2.

Front

What is the degree of the polynomial f(x) = -x^5 - 4x + 2?

Back

The degree is 5.