End Behavior

Front

What is end behavior in polynomial functions?

Back

End behavior describes how the values of a polynomial function behave as the input (x) approaches positive or negative infinity.

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial function has a positive leading coefficient?

Back

If a polynomial function has a positive leading coefficient, the graph will rise to the right as x approaches positive infinity.

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial function has a negative leading coefficient?

Back

If a polynomial function has a negative leading coefficient, the graph will fall to the right as x approaches positive infinity.

Front

How do you determine the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Back

The end behavior can be determined by the degree and leading coefficient of the polynomial.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

What is a quartic polynomial?

Back

A quartic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 4.

Front

What is a cubic polynomial?

Back

A cubic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 3.

Front

What does x → -∞ represent?

Back

x → -∞ indicates that x is approaching negative infinity.

Front

What does x → ∞ represent?

Back

x → ∞ indicates that x is approaching positive infinity.

Front

If a polynomial function is of degree 5, what is its end behavior?

Back

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