Calculus Examples
Identify the term with the largest exponent on the variable.
The degree is the sum of the exponents of each variable in the expression. In this case, the degree of is .
The degree is the sum of the exponents of each variable in the expression. In this case, the degree of is .
Identify the term with the largest exponent on the variable.
The degree of the polynomial is the largest exponent on the variable.
Since the degree is odd, the ends of the function will point in the opposite directions.
Odd
A polynomial consists of terms, which are also known as monomials. The leading term in a polynomial is the highest degree term. In this case, the leading term in is the first term, which is .
The leading coefficient in a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term. In this case, the leading term is and the leading coefficient is .
Since the leading coefficient is positive, the graph rises to the right.
Positive
Use the degree of the function, as well as the sign of the leading coefficient to determine the behavior.
1. Even and Positive: Rises to the left and rises to the right.
2. Even and Negative: Falls to the left and falls to the right.
3. Odd and Positive: Falls to the left and rises to the right.
4. Odd and Negative: Rises to the left and falls to the right
Determine the behavior.
Falls to the left and rises to the right