Find the Behavior (Leading Coefficient Test) f(x)=x^4-16x^2

$f (x) = x^{4} - 16 x^{2}$

Step 1

Identify the degree of the function.

Identify the exponents on the variables in each term, and add them together to find the degree of each term.

$x^{4} \to 4$

$- 16 x^{2} \to 2$

The largest exponent is the degree of the polynomial.

$4$

Step 2

Since the degree is even, the ends of the function will point in the same direction.

Even

Step 3

Identify the leading coefficient.

The leading term in a polynomial is the term with the highest degree.

$x^{4}$

The leading coefficient in a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term.

$1$

Step 4

Since the leading coefficient is positive, the graph rises to the right.

Positive

Step 5

Use the degree of the function, as well as the sign of the leading coefficient to determine the behavior.

1. Even and Positive: Rises to the left and rises to the right.

2. Even and Negative: Falls to the left and falls to the right.

3. Odd and Positive: Falls to the left and rises to the right.

4. Odd and Negative: Rises to the left and falls to the right

Step 6

Determine the behavior.

Rises to the left and rises to the right

Step 7