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Pearson Algebra 2 Common Core, 2011

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Pearson Algebra 2 Common Core, 2011 View details

1. Polynomial Functions

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Exercise 39 Page 285

Calculate the first, second, third, or however many necessary differences between $y -$ values until they are constant.

$3$

Practice makes perfect

We are asked to determine the degree of the polynomial function that generates the data shown in the table.

$x$	$y$
$- 2$	$- 15$
$- 1$	$- 9$
$0$	$- 9$
$1$	$- 9$
$2$	$- 3$

To begin, we will check first differences between the $y -$ values. Then we will check second differences, third differences, and so on, until they are constant.

We can see above that the third differences are constant. Therefore, the degree of the polynomial is $3 .$

Subchapter links

Lesson Check p.285

Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises p.285-287

Standardized Test Prep p.287

Mixed Review p.287