Question

Which statement best describes the graph of -x3 - x2 + 4x + 4?

It starts down on the left and goes up on the right and intersects the axis at x = -2, 2, and 4.

It starts down on the left and goes up on the right and intersects the axis at x = -2, -1, and 2.

It starts up on the left and goes down on the right and intersects the x-axis at x = -2, -1, and 2.

It starts up on the left and goes down on the right and intersects the axis at x = -2, 2, and 4.

Answer 1

The leading coefficient -1 (of \(x^3\) is negative, hence the curve starts up on the left (but starts down if the leading coefficient is positive). This eliminates A and B.
Between C and D, the only difference in roots is -1 or 4.
Check whether x=-1 or 4 will result in a zero to the given expression and you have your choice.