Polynomial Functions and End Behavior
Zoom out far enough and every polynomial simplifies to its leading term. That single fact hands you both ends of any polynomial graph from two symbols: the parity of the degree (ends agree when even, disagree when odd) and the sign of the leading coefficient (right end up when positive). Limit notation, as x grows without bound in either direction, turns the picture into precise statements the exam can grade.
Every trap in this topic is a wrong voter: a huge middle coefficient, a negative constant term, or a dip visible in the graphing window, each trying to decide the ends when only the leading term gets a ballot. And the words "even" and "odd" doing double duty for degree and for symmetry invites a conflation the lesson explicitly untangles.
The work
3 ways in · any order
Lesson
Polynomial Functions and End Behavior
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The leading term outruns everything: degree parity plus leading-coefficient sign settle both ends, and limit notation states it precisely. The lesson races the terms numerically, builds the four patterns, then closes with ten scenarios on ends, limits, and what end behavior cannot claim.
Diagnostic
10-item topic check
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Ten items spanning the two Topic 1.6 misconceptions: end behavior judged from a non-leading feature such as the constant or a big middle coefficient, and even degree promoted into even-function symmetry. The bank ships with the Unit 1 data drop.
Targeted Practice
Drill a single misconception
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Pick one of the failure modes you missed and drill it on its own. The round is adaptive: two correct in a row clears the misconception and moves you to the next.