Question

What is the end behavior of the graph of the polynomial function f(x) = 2x3 – 26x – 24?

As x -> __ y -> __ and as x -> __ y -> __

Answer 1

iPwnBunnies, help me bro. PLZ

Answer 2

Err, do you know how the graph of this looks?

Answer 3

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2x%5E3+-+26x+-+24

Answer 4

Hold up let me get a picture okay?

Answer 5

Ok, great. This is kinda like a precursor to limits.

Answer 6

When you look at the graph, what happens when x gets bigger?

Answer 7

Oooh, as X gets bigger y value decreases

Answer 8

Noooo, try again. As you move right along the x axis, what happens to the graph?

Answer 9

I'm not sure? Is it as the x value increases, the y value also increases?

Answer 10

Where if the x value decreases, so does the y value?

Answer 11

Right. If we were able to see the ENTIRE graph. You'll see as x gets bigger, y gets bigger. And vice versa.

Answer 12

In math, we like to express the behavior like this.

As x approaches infinity, y approaches infinity.
As x approaches negative infinity, y approaches negative infinity

Answer 13

So they're linked, in a way. Dependant on each other. I understand now. Thanks Bunnies!

Answer 14

Of course they're dependent. That's what a function is.

Answer 15

X is the independent variable. Y is the dependent variable.

Answer 16

It all makes sense now!