Question Based on the degree of the polynomial \( f(x) \) given below, what is the maximum number of turning points the graph of \( f(x) \) can have? \[ f(x)=\left(x^{2}-7\right)\left(x^{2}-6\right)\left(x^{2}+4\right) \] Provide your answer below:
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The maximum number of turning points of a polynomial is given by the formula \( n - 1 \), where \( n \) is the degree of the polynomial. To find the degree of the polynomial \( f(x) = (x^2 - 7)(x^2 - 6)(x^2 + 4) \), we see that it is comprised of three quadratic factors. Each quadratic contributes a degree of 2, so the total degree of the polynomial is \( 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 \). Thus, the maximum number of turning points is \( 6 - 1 = 5 \). In conclusion, the graph of \( f(x) \) can have a maximum of 5 turning points.