1.1 Power Functions (Summary)

Polynomial Functions: has independent variable "x" raised to non-negative integer exponent
Ending Behavior: how the graph behaves as we look at very small and large values of x
Click on image to see the summary of Odd Degree Functions vs. Even Degree Functions

To Conclude:
By looking at the "leading coefficent" of a polynomial and the degree, it can determine the behavior of the graph

Even Degree Function:

• same end behavior
• act similarly to y=x^2 (and y= -x^2)
• can reflect on y-axis and reflect onto itself
• ex. y = 7x^8 + 6x^2 + 16
  

Odd Degree Function

• opposite end behavior
• act similarly to y= x (and y= -x)
• can be reflected in the y-axis followed by a reflection in the x-axis and be back to its original location
• ex. y = 12x^5 + 4x^2 + 19