Precalculus (6th Edition) Blitzer

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13446-914-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-13446-914-0

Chapter 2 - Section 2.3 - Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs - Exercise Set - Page 349: 15

Answer

The correct option is (b).

Work Step by Step

Consider the polynomial function: $f\left( x \right)=-{{x}^{4}}+{{x}^{2}}$ The degree is $n=4$ and the leading coefficient is $-1$ The Leading Coefficient Test: Consider the polynomial function, $f\left( x \right)={{a}_{n}}{{x}^{n}}+{{a}_{n-1}}{{x}^{n-1}}+...+{{a}_{1}}x+{{a}_{0}}\left( {{a}_{n}}\ne 0 \right)$ -- the leading coefficient is ${{a}_{n}}$. That is, the odd-degree polynomial function has graphs with opposite behavior at each end while even-degree polynomial shows the same behavior at each end. The degree of the given function is $n=4$, which is even. Now consider the leading coefficient of the polynomial function: $\begin{align} & {{a}_{4}}=-1 \\ & <0 \end{align}$ Therefore, from the Leading Coefficient Test, the graph falls to the left and falls to the right. That is different behavior at each end.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.