End Behavior

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial.

Front

What does an even degree polynomial indicate about its end behavior?

Back

An even degree polynomial will have the same end behavior on both sides; both ends will either rise or fall.

Front

What does an odd degree polynomial indicate about its end behavior?

Back

An odd degree polynomial will have opposite end behavior; one end will rise while the other falls.

Front

What is a leading coefficient?

Back

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

Front

How does a positive leading coefficient affect the end behavior of a polynomial?

Back

A positive leading coefficient means that the polynomial will rise to the right.

Front

How does a negative leading coefficient affect the end behavior of a polynomial?

Back

A negative leading coefficient means that the polynomial will fall to the right.

Front

What is the end behavior of a polynomial with an even degree and a positive leading coefficient?

Back

Both ends of the graph will rise.

Front

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

Back

Both ends of the graph will fall.

Front

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

Back

The left end will fall and the right end will rise.

Front

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

Back

The left end will rise and the right end will fall.