Question

question #14 given the graph below, what would be the minimum degree of the polynomial? 1 2 5 4

Explanation:

Step1: Recall polynomial - degree rule

The number of turning points of a polynomial function \(y = f(x)\) is at most \(n - 1\), where \(n\) is the degree of the polynomial.

Step2: Count turning points

Count the number of turning - points of the given graph. A turning point is a point where the graph changes from increasing to decreasing or vice - versa. The graph has 4 turning points.

Step3: Determine minimum degree

Since the number of turning points \(T=n - 1\), then \(n=T + 1\). Substituting \(T = 4\), we get \(n=5\).

Answer:

5