What is the end behavior of the graph of the …

Mathematics Questions

What is the end behavior of the graph of the polynomial function ( f(x) = 3x^6 + 30x^5 + 75x^4 )?

Short Answer

To analyze the end behavior of the polynomial function f(x) = 3x³ + 30x² + 75x, identify the leading term, which is 3x³. Since it is a cubic polynomial with a positive coefficient, the end behavior is that as x approaches positive infinity, y approaches positive infinity, and as x approaches negative infinity, y approaches negative infinity.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Identify the Polynomial Function

To determine the end behavior of a polynomial function, first identify the function in question. In this case, the function is given as f(x) = 3x3 + 30x2 + 75x. This equation comprises different terms, where the leading term significantly influences the end behavior when x approaches positive or negative infinity.

Step 2: Analyze the Leading Term

The leading term is the one with the highest degree, which in this function is 3x3. Since it is a cubic polynomial with a positive coefficient (3), its end behavior can be deduced. For polynomials, if the leading term is of degree odd and has a positive coefficient, the following behaviors are observed:

  • As x ‚ÄöUi +‚Äöau, then y ‚ÄöUi +‚Äöau.
  • As x ‚ÄöUi -‚Äöau, then y ‚ÄöUi -‚Äöau.

Step 3: Confirm End Behavior Through Graph Analysis

Finally, graph the function to visually confirm the predicted end behavior. Upon plotting f(x), observe the graph’s behavior as x increases or decreases. From the graph, you will note:

  • As x increases, y also increases toward infinity.
  • As x decreases, y drops to negative infinity.

These confirmations solidify that the end behavior is: x ‚ÄöUi +‚Äöau, y ‚ÄöUi +‚Äöau and x ‚ÄöUi -‚Äöau, y ‚ÄöUi -‚Äöau.

Related Concepts

Polynomial Function

A mathematical expression consisting of variables raised to non-negative integer powers, combined with coefficients, which is typically represented in the form f(x) = a_nx^n + a_(n-1)x^(n-1) + … + a_1x + a_0.

Leading Term

The term in a polynomial that has the highest power of the variable, which determines the polynomial’s end behavior as the variable approaches positive or negative infinity.

End Behavior

The behavior of a polynomial function as the input variable approaches positive infinity or negative infinity, often characterized by the values the output (or y) approaches as the input (or x) becomes very large or very small.

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