Final answer:
The possible degrees of a polynomial function can be determined by observing the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. Each curve or turn in the graph represents a change in direction of the polynomial. The highest number of curves or turns is equal to the degree of the polynomial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The possible degrees of a polynomial function in the graph can be determined by observing the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent of the variable. For example, if the highest power of the variable is 3, then the polynomial has a degree of 3.
In the graph, we can determine the degree by looking at the x-axis and counting the number of curves or turns. Each curve or turn represents a change in direction of the graph. The highest number of curves or turns is equal to the degree of the polynomial.
For example, if the graph has one curve or turn, then the polynomial has a degree of 1, which means it is a linear function. If the graph has two curves or turns, then the polynomial has a degree of 2, which means it is a quadratic function.