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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the end behavior of the function ?
A
As approaches or negative , approaches .
B
As approaches , approaches negative ; as approaches negative , approaches .
C
As approaches or negative , approaches negative .
D
As approaches , approaches ; as approaches negative , approaches negative .
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the leading term of the polynomial function f(x) = 2x^3 - 3x^2 - 3. The leading term is the term with the highest power of x, which is 2x^3.
Step 2: Analyze the degree and coefficient of the leading term. The degree of the polynomial is 3 (odd degree), and the coefficient of the leading term is positive (2). This will determine the end behavior of the function.
Step 3: Recall the general rule for end behavior of polynomials with odd degrees: If the leading coefficient is positive, as x approaches infinity, f(x) approaches infinity, and as x approaches negative infinity, f(x) approaches negative infinity.
Step 4: Verify that the lower-degree terms (-3x^2 and -3) do not affect the end behavior significantly as x becomes very large or very small. The leading term dominates the behavior of the function for large values of |x|.
Step 5: Conclude that the end behavior of f(x) is: As x approaches infinity, f(x) approaches infinity; as x approaches negative infinity, f(x) approaches negative infinity.