To analyze the polynomial \( h(x) = -3x^4 + 2x^3 - 12x - 6 \):
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Degree: The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent of \( x \). In this case, the highest exponent is 4 (from the term \( -3x^4 \)), so the degree of the polynomial is 4.
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Type: This polynomial is a quartic polynomial because its degree is 4.
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Leading Coefficient: The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree. Here, the term with the highest degree is \( -3x^4 \), so the leading coefficient is -3.
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Constant Term: The constant term is the term without \( x \), which is \( -6 \). Therefore, the constant term is -6.
Now, let's evaluate \( h(x) \) at \( x = -2 \):
\[ h(-2) = -3(-2)^4 + 2(-2)^3 - 12(-2) - 6 \]
Calculating each term step by step:
- \( (-2)^4 = 16 \) so \( -3(-2)^4 = -3 \times 16 = -48 \)
- \( (-2)^3 = -8 \) so \( 2(-2)^3 = 2 \times -8 = -16 \)
- \( -12(-2) = 24 \)
- The constant term is \( -6 \).
Now put it all together:
\[ h(-2) = -48 - 16 + 24 - 6 \]
Calculating it step-by-step:
\[ h(-2) = -48 - 16 = -64 \] \[ -64 + 24 = -40 \] \[ -40 - 6 = -46 \]
Thus, \( h(-2) = -46 \).
In summary:
- Degree: 4
- Type: Quartic
- Leading Coefficient: -3
- Constant Term: -6
- \( h(-2) = -46 \)