Question

Here is an Algebra two question that confuses me.

Question::
What are the left and right behaviors of
f(x)=-3x^5+x^4-9x
a.) Rises both to the right and to the left
b.)Falls both to the right and left
c.)Cannot be determined
d.)Rises to the right and falls to the left
e.)Rises to the left and falls to the right.

The help is much appreciated!
-Jazz

Answer 1

the answer is e if you have a graphing calculator you could put it in on that it helps for algebra

Answer 2

When x becomes very large, either positive or negative, the x^5 term will dominate the sum. So the left and right behaviors will mimic that of x^5. What happens when x goes to + or - infinity?

Therein lies your answer.

Answer 3

Bob's answer is correct. I didn't see the - sign in front of x^5. The polynomial approaches -x^5 when x -> + or - infinity.

Answer 4

Alright, I think I understand.
So would f(x)=-8x^6-x^3+-9
Rise to the right and fall to the left?
We were told a simple way to determine the behavior, but I have completely forgotten it.