Get expert insights and reliable answers to your questions on IDNLearn.com. Ask your questions and receive detailed and reliable answers from our experienced and knowledgeable community members.

What is the end behavior of the graph of the polynomial function [tex]f(x) = 2x^3 - 26x - 24[/tex]?

A. As [tex]x \rightarrow -\infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow -\infty[/tex] and as [tex]x \rightarrow \infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow -\infty[/tex].
B. As [tex]x \rightarrow -\infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow -\infty[/tex] and as [tex]x \rightarrow \infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow \infty[/tex].
C. As [tex]x \rightarrow -\infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow \infty[/tex] and as [tex]x \rightarrow \infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow -\infty[/tex].
D. As [tex]x \rightarrow -\infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow \infty[/tex] and as [tex]x \rightarrow \infty[/tex], [tex]y \rightarrow \infty[/tex].


Sagot :

To determine the end behavior of the polynomial function [tex]\( f(x) = 2x^3 - 26x - 24 \)[/tex], we'll analyze how the function behaves as [tex]\( x \)[/tex] approaches [tex]\(-\infty\)[/tex] and [tex]\( \infty \)[/tex]. Specifically, we look at the leading term of the polynomial, which dominates the behavior of the function for large absolute values of [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

### Step-by-Step Analysis:

1. Identify the leading term:
The leading term in the polynomial [tex]\( f(x) = 2x^3 - 26x - 24 \)[/tex] is the term with the highest degree, which is [tex]\( 2x^3 \)[/tex].

2. Analyze the leading term for end behavior:
- The leading term [tex]\( 2x^3 \)[/tex] will have the most significant impact on the value of [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] as [tex]\( x \)[/tex] approaches [tex]\(\pm\infty\)[/tex].
- Since it is a cubic term with a positive coefficient, it affects the end behavior as follows:
- As [tex]\( x \rightarrow -\infty \)[/tex], [tex]\( 2x^3 \rightarrow -\infty \)[/tex].
- As [tex]\( x \rightarrow \infty \)[/tex], [tex]\( 2x^3 \rightarrow \infty \)[/tex].

3. Combine the effects of the leading term with the entire polynomial:
- The other terms in the polynomial, [tex]\( -26x \)[/tex] and [tex]\( -24 \)[/tex], become relatively insignificant compared to [tex]\( 2x^3 \)[/tex] for large absolute values of [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

4. Conclude the end behavior:
- As [tex]\( x \rightarrow -\infty \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) \rightarrow -\infty \)[/tex].
- As [tex]\( x \rightarrow \infty \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) \rightarrow \infty \)[/tex].

Based on this analysis, the correct description of the end behavior of the polynomial function [tex]\( f(x) = 2x^3 - 26x - 24 \)[/tex] is:

- As [tex]\( x \rightarrow -\infty, y \rightarrow -\infty \)[/tex].
- As [tex]\( x \rightarrow \infty, y \rightarrow \infty \)[/tex].

So, the correct end behavior is:
As [tex]\( x \rightarrow -\infty, y \rightarrow -\infty \)[/tex] and as [tex]\( x \rightarrow \infty, y \rightarrow \infty \)[/tex].
We appreciate every question and answer you provide. Keep engaging and finding the best solutions. This community is the perfect place to learn and grow together. Accurate answers are just a click away at IDNLearn.com. Thanks for stopping by, and come back for more reliable solutions.