Math Problem Statement

Determine whether the following function is a polynomial function. If the function is a polynomial​ function, state its degree. If it is​ not, tell why not. Write the polynomial in standard form. Then identify the leading term and the constant term. ​g(x)equalsStartFraction 4 minus x cubed Over 3 EndFraction Question content area bottom Part 1 Determine whether​ g(x) is a polynomial or not. Select the correct choice below​ and, if​ necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice. A. It is a polynomial of degree

enter your response here. ​(Type an integer or a​ fraction.) B. It is not a polynomial because the variable x is raised to the

enter your response here ​power, which is not a nonnegative integer. ​(Type an integer or a​ fraction.) C. It is not a polynomial because the function is the ratio of two distinct​ polynomials, and the polynomial in the denominator is of positive degree.

Solution

Let's analyze the given function:

g(x)=4x33g(x) = \frac{4 - x^3}{3}

This function can be rewritten as:

g(x)=13(4x3)=13413x3=4313x3g(x) = \frac{1}{3}(4 - x^3) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 4 - \frac{1}{3} \cdot x^3 = \frac{4}{3} - \frac{1}{3}x^3

Step 1: Check if it's a polynomial function

A polynomial function is an expression made up of terms, each consisting of a constant coefficient and a variable raised to a non-negative integer exponent. There must be no division by variables.

In this case, after simplifying the expression for g(x)g(x), the terms are:

  • 43\frac{4}{3}, a constant term.
  • 13x3-\frac{1}{3}x^3, a term with xx raised to a non-negative integer power (3).

There is no division by xx, and both terms involve constants or powers of xx that are non-negative integers. Therefore, this is a polynomial function.

Step 2: Identify the degree

The degree of a polynomial function is the highest power of the variable xx in the expression. In this case, the highest power of xx is 33.

Thus, the degree of this polynomial is 3.

Step 3: Write the polynomial in standard form

The standard form of a polynomial is written with the terms in decreasing order of the exponents of xx:

g(x)=13x3+43g(x) = -\frac{1}{3}x^3 + \frac{4}{3}

Step 4: Identify the leading term and the constant term

  • The leading term is the term with the highest power of xx, which is 13x3-\frac{1}{3}x^3.
  • The constant term is the term without xx, which is 43\frac{4}{3}.

Conclusion:

The function g(x)g(x) is a polynomial of degree 3. The leading term is 13x3-\frac{1}{3}x^3, and the constant term is 43\frac{4}{3}.


Would you like further details on this or any related topic?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What makes a function not a polynomial?
  2. How do you determine the degree of more complex polynomial functions?
  3. Can polynomial functions have negative exponents or fractional exponents?
  4. How does the degree of a polynomial affect its graph's behavior?
  5. What are some examples of non-polynomial functions?

Tip: Always ensure that variables in a polynomial are raised to non-negative integer exponents and not in the denominator.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomials
Degree of a Polynomial
Standard Form of a Polynomial

Formulas

Polynomial in standard form: a_nx^n + a_(n-1)x^(n-1) + ... + a_1x + a_0

Theorems

Definition of a Polynomial Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11