End Behavior of a Polynomial Function

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 42 views

When analyzing a polynomial function, it is essential to identify its key features, including the end behavior and zeros. These characteristics provide valuable information about the function's graph and help us make informed statements about its behavior. In this article, we will explore the end behavior and zeros of the function $h(x)=-x^3-9x^2+4x+96$ and determine which statement is true about the graph representing function $h$ .

End Behavior of a Polynomial Function

The end behavior of a polynomial function refers to the behavior of the function as $x$ approaches positive or negative infinity. To determine the end behavior of a polynomial function, we need to examine the leading term, which is the term with the highest degree. In the case of the function $h(x)=-x^3-9x^2+4x+96$ , the leading term is $-x^3$ .

Since the coefficient of the leading term is negative, the function will approach negative infinity as $x$ approaches positive infinity. Conversely, as $x$ approaches negative infinity, the function will approach positive infinity. This is because the negative sign in front of the leading term causes the function to change sign as $x$ changes from positive to negative.

Zeros of a Polynomial Function

The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of $x$ that make the function equal to zero. To find the zeros of the function $h(x)=-x^3-9x^2+4x+96$ , we need to solve the equation $h(x)=0$ . This can be done by factoring the polynomial or using synthetic division.

After factoring the polynomial, we find that $h(x)=-x^3-9x^2+4x+96=(x+3)(x+4)(x-8)$ . Setting each factor equal to zero, we get the following equations:

$x+3=0 \Rightarrow x=-3$

$x+4=0 \Rightarrow x=-4$

$x-8=0 \Rightarrow x=8$

Therefore, the zeros of the function $h(x)$ are $x=-3$ , $x=-4$ , and $x=8$ .

Graphing the Function

Now that we have identified the end behavior and zeros of the function $h(x)$ , we can use this information to make informed statements about the graph representing function $h$ . The graph of a polynomial function is a continuous curve that passes through the zeros of the function.

Since the function has a negative leading term, the graph will approach negative infinity as $x$ approaches positive infinity. Conversely, as $x$ approaches negative infinity, the graph will approach positive infinity.

The graph will also pass through the zeros of the function, which are $x=-3$ , $x=-4$ , and $x=8$ . These points will be the x-intercepts of the graph.

Which Statement is True About the Graph?

Based on the end behavior and zeros of the function $h(x)$ , we can make the following statements about the graph representing function $h$ :

The graph is negative: This statement is true. Since the function has a negative leading term, the graph will approach negative infinity as $x$ approaches positive infinity.
The graph is positive: This statement is false. Since the function has a negative leading term, the graph will approach negative infinity as $x$ approaches positive infinity.
The graph has two x-intercepts: This statement is false. The graph has three x-intercepts, which are $x=-3$ , $x=-4$ , and $x=8$ .
The graph has a maximum or minimum point: This statement is false. Since the function is a cubic polynomial, it will have a single turning point, but it will not have a maximum or minimum point.

Therefore, the statement that is true about the graph representing function $h$ is:

The graph is negative.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we explored the end behavior and zeros of the function $h(x)=-x^3-9x^2+4x+96$ . We also determined which statement is true about the graph representing function $h$ . In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the end behavior and zeros of a polynomial function.

Q: What is the end behavior of a polynomial function?

A: The end behavior of a polynomial function refers to the behavior of the function as $x$ approaches positive or negative infinity. To determine the end behavior of a polynomial function, we need to examine the leading term, which is the term with the highest degree.

Q: How do I determine the end behavior of a polynomial function?

A: To determine the end behavior of a polynomial function, follow these steps:

Identify the leading term, which is the term with the highest degree.
Determine the sign of the coefficient of the leading term.
If the coefficient is positive, the function will approach positive infinity as $x$ approaches positive infinity and negative infinity as $x$ approaches negative infinity.
If the coefficient is negative, the function will approach negative infinity as $x$ approaches positive infinity and positive infinity as $x$ approaches negative infinity.

Q: What are the zeros of a polynomial function?

A: The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of $x$ that make the function equal to zero. To find the zeros of a polynomial function, we need to solve the equation $f(x)=0$ .

Q: How do I find the zeros of a polynomial function?

A: To find the zeros of a polynomial function, follow these steps:

Factor the polynomial, if possible.
Set each factor equal to zero and solve for $x$ .
The values of $x$ that make the function equal to zero are the zeros of the polynomial function.

Q: What is the relationship between the zeros of a polynomial function and its graph?

A: The zeros of a polynomial function are the x-intercepts of its graph. This means that the graph of a polynomial function will pass through the zeros of the function.

Q: Can a polynomial function have multiple zeros?

A: Yes, a polynomial function can have multiple zeros. In fact, a polynomial function can have any number of zeros, including zero, one, two, or more.

Q: Can a polynomial function have complex zeros?

A: Yes, a polynomial function can have complex zeros. Complex zeros are values of $x$ that are not real numbers, but rather complex numbers in the form $a+bi$ , where $a$ and $b$ are real numbers and $i$ is the imaginary unit.

Q: How do I determine the number of zeros of a polynomial function?

A: To determine the number of zeros of a polynomial function, follow these steps:

Determine the degree of the polynomial function.
If the degree is even, the polynomial function can have at most an even number of zeros.
If the degree is odd, the polynomial function can have at most an odd number of zeros.

Q: Can a polynomial function have a maximum or minimum point?

A: Yes, a polynomial function can have a maximum or minimum point. In fact, a polynomial function can have any number of maximum or minimum points, including zero, one, two, or more.

Q: How do I determine the maximum or minimum point of a polynomial function?

A: To determine the maximum or minimum point of a polynomial function, follow these steps:

Find the derivative of the polynomial function.
Set the derivative equal to zero and solve for $x$ .
The values of $x$ that make the derivative equal to zero are the critical points of the polynomial function.
Evaluate the polynomial function at each critical point to determine whether it is a maximum or minimum point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the end behavior and zeros of a polynomial function provide valuable information about the function's graph. By analyzing the leading term and the zeros of the function, we can determine the end behavior and x-intercepts of the graph. We can also determine the number of zeros and maximum or minimum points of the function. In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about the end behavior and zeros of a polynomial function.