Math Problem Statement

Determine whether the function g(x) = (6 - x^6)/5 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.

Solution

The function given is:

g(x)=6x65g(x) = \frac{6 - x^6}{5}

Step 1: Check if the function is a polynomial

A function is a polynomial if:

  1. All exponents of the variable xx are non-negative integers.
  2. The function does not involve division by a variable (denominators must not contain variables).

In this case, g(x)g(x) is of the form 6x65\frac{6 - x^6}{5}, which simplifies to: g(x)=6515x6g(x) = \frac{6}{5} - \frac{1}{5}x^6

This is a valid polynomial because:

  • The exponents of xx (specifically, 6 in 15x6\frac{1}{5}x^6) are non-negative integers.
  • There is no division by a variable (the division by 5 is a constant).

Step 2: Degree of the polynomial

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of xx. In this case, the highest power of xx is 66, so the degree of the polynomial is 6.

Step 3: Identify the leading term and constant term

  • The leading term is the term with the highest power of xx, which is 15x6-\frac{1}{5}x^6.
  • The constant term is the term without xx, which is 65\frac{6}{5}.

Answer Choices:

  • Option A is correct: "It is a polynomial of degree 6."

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you determine if a function with a fraction is a polynomial?
  2. What is the general form of a polynomial?
  3. Can a polynomial have negative exponents?
  4. How does dividing by a constant affect whether a function is a polynomial?
  5. What happens to the degree of a polynomial if all terms have the same degree?

Tip: The leading term of a polynomial always determines its behavior for large values of xx.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomials

Formulas

Polynomial standard form
Degree of a polynomial: highest power of x

Theorems

Definition of a polynomial
Rules for exponents and constants in polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12