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What is a polynomial function?

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A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The general form is f(x) = a_n*x^n + a_(n-1)*x^(n-1) + ... + a_1*x + a_0, where n is a non-negative integer.

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What is the degree of a polynomial?

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The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial expression. It determines the polynomial's end behavior and the maximum number of real roots.

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How many real zeros can a polynomial function have?

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A polynomial function of degree n can have at most n real zeros.

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What is the end behavior of a polynomial function?

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The end behavior of a polynomial function describes how the function behaves as x approaches positive or negative infinity. It is determined by the leading term of the polynomial.

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What is multiplicity in polynomial functions?

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Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular root (zero) appears in a polynomial. A root with even multiplicity touches the x-axis, while a root with odd multiplicity crosses the x-axis.

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The multiplicity of the zero x=1 is 4.

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CCSS.HSF-IF.C.7C

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The root x=1 has even multiplicity.

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CCSS.HSF-IF.C.7C

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What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

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The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial. It influences the direction of the polynomial's end behavior.

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What is the difference between even and odd degree polynomials?

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Even degree polynomials have the same end behavior on both sides (both up or both down), while odd degree polynomials have opposite end behavior (one side up and the other down).

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How do you determine the number of turning points in a polynomial function?

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The maximum number of turning points of a polynomial function is n-1, where n is the degree of the polynomial.