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Polynomial Degree

You have been exploring and reflecting on quadratic and cubic equations.

Discuss what you have come to understand regarding the relationship among the degree of the polynomial function (quadratic degree 2 vs. cubic degree 3), the number of binomial factors, and the related graph.

Be sure to use three to six complete sentences in your response.

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Answer: The degree of a polynomial function determines the highest power of the variable in the function. Quadratic functions have degree 2, while cubic functions have degree 3. The degree of a polynomial function also determines the number of binomial factors in the function. In general, a polynomial of degree n will have n binomial factors. The degree of a polynomial function is related to its graph, with higher degree functions having graphs with more complex shapes and more turning points.

Step-by-step explanation: The degree of a polynomial function determines the highest power of the variable in the function. A quadratic function, for example, has degree 2, while a cubic function has degree 3. The degree of a polynomial function also determines the number of binomial factors in the function. A polynomial of degree n will have n binomial factors. A quadratic function has two binomial factors, while a cubic function has three binomial factors.

The degree of a polynomial function is related to its graph. In general, as the degree of the polynomial function increases, the graph becomes more complex with more turning points. A quadratic function, for example, has a parabolic graph with a single turning point. A cubic function has a slightly more complex graph with two turning points. As the degree of the polynomial increases even further, the graph becomes even more complex with more turning points.

In summary, the degree of a polynomial function determines the complexity of its graph, with higher degree functions having more complex shapes and more turning points. It also determines the number of binomial factors in the function.

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