Polynomial Function Graphs

Front

What is the end behavior of a polynomial function with a leading coefficient that is negative and an odd degree?

Back

The end behavior will be down on the left and up on the right.

Front

Define the leading coefficient of a polynomial function.

Back

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

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial function has an even degree?

Back

The ends of the graph will either both go up or both go down.

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial function has an odd degree?

Back

The ends of the graph will go in opposite directions; one end will go up and the other will go down.

Front

Back

Since the leading term is negative and the degree is odd, the end behavior is down on the left and up on the right.

Front

What is the significance of the leading coefficient in determining the graph of a polynomial?

Back

The leading coefficient affects the direction of the ends of the graph and the overall shape.

Front

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

Back

Both ends of the graph will go up.

Front

What can be inferred about a polynomial function with a negative leading coefficient and an even degree?

Back

Both ends of the graph will go down.

Front

How do you identify the degree of a polynomial function from its graph?

Back

The degree is the highest power of x in the polynomial, which can be inferred from the number of turns in the graph.

Front

What is the relationship between the degree of a polynomial and the number of x-intercepts?

Back

A polynomial of degree n can have at most n x-intercepts.