Exploring Polynomial Functions

What determines the shape and end behavior of a polynomial graph?

• The constant term

• The sum of coefficients

• The degree and leading coefficient

• The number of terms

Which polynomial degree is associated with a quadratic function?

• Degree 3

• Degree 2

• Degree 4

• Degree 1

What is the maximum number of turning points a cubic polynomial can have?

• Four

• One

• Two

• Three

When the leading coefficient is positive and the degree is even, what is the end behavior of the polynomial?

• Down and up

• Up and down

• Down and down

• Up and up

If a polynomial has a leading coefficient less than zero and an even degree, what is its end behavior?

• Up and down

• Down and down

• Up and up

• Down and up

What is the end behavior of a polynomial with a leading coefficient greater than zero and an odd degree?

• Up and up

• Up and down

• Down and down

• Down and up

How can you determine the degree of a polynomial from a table of values?

• By finding the constant term

• By counting the number of terms

• By using finite differences

• By looking at the leading coefficient

What is the degree of a polynomial if the third differences are constant?

• First degree

• Second degree

• Third degree

• Fourth degree

What is the first step in finding the finite differences of a polynomial from a table of values?

• Multiply the terms

• Divide the terms

• Add all the terms

• Subtract the term below from the term above

If the first differences of a polynomial are not constant, what does this indicate?

• The polynomial is cubic

• The polynomial is linear

• The polynomial is quadratic

• The polynomial is not linear