Let's analyze the information given. A relative minimum or maximum occurs when the derivative of the function is equal to zero. Therefore, the polynomial must have at least 11 critical points (5 relative minima and 6 relative maxima).
Since each critical point requires a change in sign of the derivative, the degree of the polynomial must be at least 11.
Hence, the smallest degree the polynomial could have is 11.
What is the smallest degree a polynomial with five relative minima and six relative maxima could have? (1 point)
1 answer
1 answer