End behavior

Definition

End behavior refers to the way a function behaves as the input values approach positive or negative infinity. This concept helps in understanding how a function's graph looks at the far ends, determining whether it rises, falls, or levels off. Observing end behavior is crucial for sketching graphs accurately and understanding the overall trend of the function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. End behavior is determined primarily by the degree and leading coefficient of polynomial functions; even degree functions have the same behavior on both ends, while odd degree functions behave oppositely.
2. For polynomials, if the leading coefficient is positive and the degree is even, both ends of the graph will rise towards infinity.
3. If a polynomial's leading coefficient is negative and its degree is odd, the left end of the graph will rise while the right end falls.
4. Rational functions may exhibit different end behaviors based on their asymptotes, especially vertical and horizontal asymptotes.
5. Understanding end behavior is essential for sketching accurate graphs and predicting values of functions at extreme inputs.

Review Questions

• How does the degree of a polynomial affect its end behavior?
  • The degree of a polynomial significantly impacts its end behavior. Even degree polynomials have both ends rising or falling together, while odd degree polynomials have opposite behaviors at each end. For instance, if an even degree polynomial has a positive leading coefficient, both ends will rise towards positive infinity. Conversely, if it has a negative leading coefficient, both ends will fall towards negative infinity.
• Explain how the leading coefficient influences the end behavior of polynomial functions.
  • The leading coefficient dictates whether the ends of a polynomial function rise or fall as they approach infinity. If the leading coefficient is positive for an even degree polynomial, both ends will point upwards. If it is negative, both ends will point downwards. For odd degree polynomials, a positive leading coefficient results in one end rising and the other falling, while a negative leading coefficient does the opposite.
• Evaluate how understanding end behavior can aid in graphing complex functions, including rational functions.
  • Grasping end behavior is crucial for effectively graphing complex functions like rational functions. By identifying horizontal asymptotes and analyzing degrees and leading coefficients, you can predict how the graph behaves as it moves toward infinity. This allows for a clearer picture of where the graph will level off or approach infinity, which helps in sketching accurate graphs that reflect overall trends in function values across their entire domain.

Related terms

Asymptote:

A line that a graph approaches but never touches, often used to describe end behavior when a function approaches infinity.

Degree of a polynomial: The highest exponent in a polynomial function, which influences the function's end behavior significantly.

Leading coefficient: The coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial, which determines the direction of the graph's end behavior.