Question

What does the degree of a polynomial tell you about its related polynomial function? Provide information regarding the degree, graph, and zeroes of the related polynomial function.

Answer 1

If a polynomial has degree n then it look like

ax^n+bx^(n-1)+cx^(n-2)...+d

It has at most n zeroes. (So a third degree polynomial has at most 3 zeroes)

The graph will switch directions (n-1) times, as in switch from increasing to decreasing. (So a third degree polynomial will switch directions 2 times).

Answer 2

Anyone, Anything else?

Answer 3

thanks!