Algebra 2 (1st Edition)

Published by McDougal Littell
ISBN 10: 0618595414
ISBN 13: 978-0-61859-541-9

Chapter 5 Polynomials and Polynomial Functions - 5.2 Evaluate and Graph Polynomial Functions - 5.2 Exercises - Skill Practice - Page 342: 37

Answer

$f(x)=-2x^5+3x^3-2x+1$

Work Step by Step

The function $f$ has an odd degree, therefore it has different behavior when $x\rightarrow -\infty$ and $x\rightarrow \infty$. The sign of the leading coefficient decides if $f(x)\rightarrow -\infty$ or $f(x)\rightarrow \infty$ when $x\rightarrow-\infty$ and $x\rightarrow \infty$. Because $f(x)\rightarrow \infty$ when $x\rightarrow -\infty$, it means that the leading coefficient is negative. An example of such a function is: $$f(x)=-2x^5+3x^3-2x+1.$$ The graph of the function confirms our conclusion.
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