Final answer:
The function that displays the required end behavior is a third-degree polynomial with a negative leading coefficient. The correct answer is (a) y = -2x³ - 1, as it is the only function listed that meets the criteria for the described end behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function that displays the end behavior where as x approaches negative infinity, y approaches positive infinity, and as x approaches positive infinity, y approaches negative infinity is a third-degree polynomial with a negative leading coefficient. Looking at the given options, we need to find a function that satisfies both conditions. Option (a) y = -2x³ - 1 is a cubic function with a negative leading coefficient. For this type of function, as x approaches negative infinity, y approaches positive infinity, and as x approaches positive infinity, y approaches negative infinity. So this function has the described end behavior.
Comparatively, options (b) and (c) do not meet the criteria as they are either a positive cubic function or a squared function, respectively. A positive cubic function will approach positive infinity as x approaches positive infinity, and a squared function will approach positive infinity as x approaches both negative and positive infinity. Option (d), being a negative quadratic, will not have the described end behavior either, since as x approaches both negative and positive infinity, y approaches negative infinity. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) y = -2x³ - 1.