Question

Consider the leading term of each polynomial function. What is the end behavior of the graph?

Answer 1

End behavior of a polynomial function depends on two things:

1. Sign of the Leading Coefficient (determines right side behavior)

• If positive, then right side goes to +∞
• If negative, then right side goes to -∞

2. Degree of Leading Coefficient (determines left side behavior)

• If even, then left side is the same direction as right side
• If odd, then left side is the opposite direction of right side