Question

What is the degree of the power function represented in the table

Answer 1

Answer: The degree of the power is 2.

Explanation:

In the table we can see that h(0) = 0, so in our function h(x) there are no term that is not multiplicated by x.

we also have:

h(-2) = -8

h(2) = -8

So we see that the function h(x) is a pair function, so the degree must be a pair degree.

We also see that h(1) = h(-1) = -2

So make sense to think that the function is of the form:

h(x) = a*x^n

and for example:

h(2) = a*(2^n) = -2

where n can be 2 or 4

if n = 4, we have

h(2) = a*(2^4) = a*16 = -2

then a = -1/8

and h(1) = (-1/8)*1^n = -1/8

but we know that h(1) must be equal to -2, so n= 4 is not the correct option.

if n = 2

h(2) = a*(2^2) = -8

a*4 = -8

a = -2

and h(1) = -2*(1^2) = -2

this works.

So the degree power of the function is equal to 2.

Answer 2

2

Explanation:

We need to plot the points in a graph and see the general shape of the curve.

Attached is the graph.

This Upside Down "U" shaped curve is that of a parabola, which has the general form

`ax^2 + bx + c`

Thus, we see, the function is a 2nd degree function, highest power is 2.