What is the degree of the power function represented in the table?

1

2

3

4

x h (x)

-2 - 8

-1 - 2

0 0

1 - 2

2 - 8

Using curve fitting technology (found on calculators such as the TI83 or in programs like geogebra), the function is h (x) = - 2x^2

Note how plugging in something like x = 0 leads to

y = - 2x^2 = - 2*0^2 = 0

so (0,0) matches

And something like x = 1 leads to

y = - 2x^2 = - 2*1^2 = - 2

meaning (1,-2) is also on the curve

The other ordered pairs match as well. I'll leave that part as an exercise for you to practice with. However, this is side information really.

Anyways, the fact that the function is h (x) = - 2x^2 means we have a quadratic. This is a power function of degree 2