Polynomial Function Graphs

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down and down

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Even

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up and up

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Even

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up and down

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Odd

Front

What does the degree of a polynomial indicate about its end behavior?

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The degree determines whether the ends of the graph go in the same direction (even degree) or opposite directions (odd degree).

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

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Analyze the leading term's degree and coefficient: if the degree is even and the coefficient is positive, both ends go up; if negative, both ends go down. If the degree is odd and the coefficient is positive, the left end goes down and the right end goes up; if negative, the left end goes up and the right end goes down.

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What is a polynomial function?

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A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients.

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What is the leading term of a polynomial?

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The leading term is the term in a polynomial that has the highest degree.