Question

The table gives values of a polynomial function for selected values of x. What is the degree of f(x)?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer 1

The degree of a polynomial function is determined by the highest power of the variable. Based on the information provided, the function appears to be a quadratic function. The correct answer is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The degree of a polynomial function is determined by the highest power of the variable in the function. In this case, we are given values of a polynomial function for selected values of x. To determine the degree of the function, we need to consider the highest power of x present in the function.

Looking at the table, we can see that the function values increase and decrease. Since the function is increasing and then decreasing, it indicates that the function has at least two turning points, which suggests a polynomial of degree 2.

Therefore, the correct answer is option b) 2, which corresponds to a quadratic function such as y = x².