Graphs of Polynomials

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial function?

Back

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

Front

What does the end behavior of a polynomial function describe?

Back

The end behavior describes how the function behaves as x approaches positive or negative infinity.

Front

What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

If the leading coefficient is positive, the function rises to the right; if negative, it falls to the right.

Front

What is the smallest possible degree of a polynomial function?

Back

The smallest possible degree of a polynomial function is 0, which represents a constant function.

Front

What is the difference between odd and even degree polynomials?

Back

Odd degree polynomials have opposite end behaviors, while even degree polynomials have the same end behavior.

Front

How can you determine the number of turning points in a polynomial graph?

Back

The maximum number of turning points is one less than the degree of the polynomial.

Front

What is a polynomial function?

Back

A polynomial function is a function that can be expressed in the form f(x) = a_nx^n + a_(n-1)x^(n-1) + ... + a_1x + a_0, where a_n ≠ 0.

Front

What is the significance of the degree of a polynomial in graphing?

Back

The degree of a polynomial affects the shape and number of x-intercepts of its graph.

Front

What does it mean for a polynomial to be in standard form?

Back

A polynomial is in standard form when its terms are arranged in descending order of degree.