Polynomial End Behavior

Front

What is the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Back

The end behavior of a polynomial function describes how the function behaves as x approaches positive or negative infinity.

Front

What determines the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Both ends of the graph will go up (UP-UP).

Front

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

Back

The left end goes down and the right end goes up (LEFT DOWN, RIGHT UP).

Front

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

Back

Both ends of the graph will go down (DOWN-DOWN).

Front

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

Back

The left end goes up and the right end goes down (LEFT UP, RIGHT DOWN).

Front

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

Back

The degree is 4.

Front

What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial f(x) = -2x^5 + 3x^2 - 1?

Back

The leading coefficient is -2.

Front

For the polynomial f(x) = 4x^2 - 3x + 1, what is the end behavior?

Back

UP-UP, since it has an even degree and a positive leading coefficient.

Front

For the polynomial f(x) = -x^3 + 2x - 1, what is the end behavior?

Back

LEFT UP, RIGHT DOWN, since it has an odd degree and a negative leading coefficient.