Degree and Leading Coefficient

The degree and the sign of the leading coefficient (positive or negative) of a polynomial determines the behavior of the ends for the graph.  
Enter the polynomial function into a graphing calculator or online graphing tool to determine the end behavior.
f(x) = 2x³ - x + 5

• Left up    Right up
• Left up   Right down
• Left down   Right up
• Left down   Right down

The degree and the sign of the leading coefficient (positive or negative) of a polynomial determines the behavior of the ends for the graph.  
Enter the polynomial function into a graphing calculator or online graphing tool to determine the end behavior.
f(x) = -2x² + 3x 

• Left up    Right up
• Left up   Right down
• Left down  Right up
• Left down   Right down

The degree and the sign of the leading coefficient (positive or negative) of a polynomial determines the behavior of the ends for the graph.  
Enter the polynomial function into a graphing calculator or online graphing tool to determine the end behavior.
f(x) = 5x⁴ - x + 6 

• Left up   Right up
• Left up   Right down
• Left down  Right up
• Left down  Right down

The degree and the sign of the leading coefficient (positive or negative) of a polynomial determines the behavior of the ends for the graph.  
Enter the polynomial function into a graphing calculator or online graphing tool to determine the end behavior.
f(x) = -x⁵ - 4x +2

• Left up  Right up
• Left up  Right down
• Left down  Right up
• Left down  Right down

The end behavior of a polynomial function is determined by the degree and the sign of the leading coefficient.
Identify the degree of the polynomial and the sign of the leading coefficient 

• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Odd
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Odd

The end behavior of a polynomial function is determined by the degree and the sign of the leading coefficient.
Identify the degree of the polynomial and the sign of the leading coefficient 

• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Odd
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Odd

The end behavior of a polynomial function is determined by the degree and the sign of the leading coefficient.
Identify the degree of the polynomial and the sign of the leading coefficient 

• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Odd
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Odd

The end behavior of a polynomial function is determined by the degree and the sign of the leading coefficient.
Identify the degree of the polynomial and the sign of the leading coefficient 

• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Positive
  Degree - Odd
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Even
• Leading Coefficient Negative
  Degree - Odd

The degree of a polynomial can be determined by the largest powered monomial of the polynomial.  
What is the degree of the polynomial:
f(x) = 3x² + 4x - 5

• Degree 2  (quadratic)
• Degree 3 (cubic)
• Degree 4 (quartic)
• Degree 5 (quintic)

The degree of a polynomial can be determined by the largest powered monomial of the polynomial.  
What is the degree of the polynomial:
f(x) = -5x⁴ - 3x + 2

• Degree 2 (quadratic)
• Degree 3 (cubic)
• Degree 4 (quartic)
• Degree 5 (quintic)