End Behavior

Front

What is end behavior in polynomial functions?

Back

End behavior describes how the values of a polynomial function behave as the input (x) approaches positive or negative infinity.

Front

What determines the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Back

The end behavior is determined by the leading term of the polynomial, specifically its degree and leading coefficient.

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 does the leading coefficient affect end behavior?

Back

If the leading coefficient is positive, the polynomial will rise to the right; if negative, it will fall to the right.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

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

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Front

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

Back

If a polynomial has an odd degree, its end behavior will be opposite in direction on either end (one side goes to +∞ and the other to -∞).

Front

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

Back

If a polynomial has an even degree, its end behavior will be the same on both ends (both sides go to +∞ or both go to -∞).

Front

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

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