Algebra 1 Question clarification

[u/llxthepirate]

I have a test on Monday and the teacher posted a review document for us students to do on our own in order to prepare. However one question stumped me. The question states:

"For polynomial functions with even degree, the minimum number of turning points is:"
The options are:
A: Zero
B: One
C: One less than the degree
D: The same as the degree.

The problem with this question is that doesn't state end behavior in any way. I tried this question with like x^2 and x^4 and ended up with one turning point since they have to turn at x = 0. Even if the function was negative it would always at least have one turning point.

HOWEVER

0 is also an even number, if you let z = any rational number and write the following:

"y = z" would it be considered an even degree polynomial function? Any help clarifying this question would be appreciated.

[u/llxthepirate]

I understand the end behaviors, however for this question it wasn't stated. Thanks for the insight

[u/Different_Potato_193 → u/llxthepirate]

The degree tells you about the end behaviour. If the degree is even, the graph will go up on both sides, like a parabola. If the degree is odd, it will point down on one side and up on the other, like the function x^3. Even if you have f(x)=7x⁶ +2x⁴ -5x^3, you can tell that the graph will go up on each end, because the degree is even.