College Algebra / Unit 7 Alg 354 short lesson, about 20 seconds
End Behavior from the Leading Term
Captions available
The idea
A polynomial's end behavior matches the power function in its leading term: even degree matches the arms, odd degree opposes them, and the coefficient's sign points them.
In practice
−2x⁴ + 7x: the leading −2x⁴ rules far out, so both arms fall — at ±10, the −20,000 drowns the 70.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for College Algebra