Polynomial Functions & End Behavior

Front

What are like terms in algebra?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, -3x and 3x are like terms.

Front

Evaluate f(-2) if f(x) = 4x^3 + 5x^2 - 3.

Back

f(-2) = 4(-2)^3 + 5(-2)^2 - 3 = -15.

Front

What is the standard form of a cubic function?

Back

Front

What does the leading coefficient of a polynomial indicate about its end behavior?

Back

The leading coefficient determines the direction of the end behavior: if it's positive, the ends of the graph rise; if negative, the ends fall.

Front

What is the leading coefficient and degree of the polynomial y = x^4 - 4x^3 - 2x - 3?

Back

The leading coefficient is positive and the degree is even.

Front

Define a polynomial function.

Back

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

How do you determine the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between even and odd degree polynomials in terms of end behavior?

Back

Even degree polynomials have both ends of the graph going in the same direction, while odd degree polynomials have ends going in opposite directions.

Front

What is a leading term in a polynomial?

Back

The leading term is the term in a polynomial that contains the highest power of the variable.