Evaluating Polynomials and End-Behavior

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

Determine the end behavior of the polynomial by identifying the degree and leading coefficient.

f(x) = 5x⁴ - x + 6

• UP-UP

• UP-DOWN

• DOWN-UP

• DOWN-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

• Increasing

• Decreasing

Match the following graph with an equation that has the same End Behaviors

• 
• 
• 
• 

Match each polynomial function with its corresponding end behavior.

Match the following graph with an equation that has the same End Behaviors.

• 
• 
• 
• 

• Increasing

• Decreasing

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