Strange problem

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moronatmath

Junior Member
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Feb 14, 2006
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Can someone fill me in on what I'm suppose to do for this problem? Thank you!
Given P(x)=6 x^(10) -4 x^7 + 6 x +10
P(x) ->________ if x -> to -infinity
P(x) ->________ if x -> to infinity
 
Can you use a calculator to graph the function?
By setting the domain to −10 to 10, you should be able to see what happens.
 
You're supposed to think about it. Imagine it at some level of abstraction in your mind. As x increases without bound, what happens to P(x)?
 
moronatmath said:
I am not sure what I am suppose to anwser here?
Click to expand...
They're asking about "end behavior". I don't know what, exactly, your book is looking for; you'd need to review the book's examples to know that. But, in general, you're being asked whether the graph goes up forever, down forever, or settles on some nice finite value, as x heads off to the right (+infinity) or the left (-infinity).

Eliz.
 
I have a feeling both problems end on some nice finite value. How do I pull this up on my calculator?
 
This is mathematics, not social science. Your feelings will do you much good on this one. You have to think about it.

x increases without bound...what does that mean.
x = 10
x = 100
x = 1000
x = 10000
That's increasing, isn't it?

How about the other direction?

x = -50
x = -5000
x = -500000

What does p(x) do?
 
moronatmath said:
I have a feeling both problems end on some nice finite value. How do I pull this up on my calculator?
Click to expand...
Read the chapter on "graphing" to learn how to graph these functions.

Meanwhile, on what basis do you "feel" that these functions converge to finite values? What values did you have in mind?

Thank you.

Eliz.
 
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