Precalculus Examples

$f (x) = x^{4} - 36 x^{2}$

Step 1

Identify the degree of the function.

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Step 1.1

Identify the exponents on the variables in each term, and add them together to find the degree of each term.

$x^{4} \to 4$

$- 36 x^{2} \to 2$

Step 1.2

The largest exponent is the degree of the polynomial.

$4$

Step 2

Since the degree is even, the ends of the function will point in the same direction.

Even

Step 3

Identify the leading coefficient.

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Step 3.1

The leading term in a polynomial is the term with the highest degree.

$x^{4}$

Step 3.2

The leading coefficient in a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term.

$1$

Step 4

Since the leading coefficient is positive, the graph rises to the right.

Positive

Step 5

Use the degree of the function, as well as the sign of the leading coefficient to determine the behavior.

1. Even and Positive: Rises to the left and rises to the right.

2. Even and Negative: Falls to the left and falls to the right.

3. Odd and Positive: Falls to the left and rises to the right.

4. Odd and Negative: Rises to the left and falls to the right

Step 6

Determine the behavior.

Rises to the left and rises to the right

Step 7