Question

Which graph might represent a polynomial function of degree 5 with a negative leading coefficient?

A
B
C
D

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

The graph of a 5th-degree polynomial with a negative leading coefficient will start at (-∞, +∞) and end at (+∞, -∞). That is, it will have the overall shape \, downward from left to right. Along the way, it may change direction 0, 2, or 4 times, and may intersect the x-axis up to 5 times.

Only one of the graphs shown has the described end behavior. All of the others have the general shapes ...

B: /

C: ∩

D: U