\begin{tabular}{l} Given that the polynomial \( f(x) \) has degree 7 , which of the following most accurately describes the number of turning points \\ of \( f(x) \) ? \\ Select the correct answer below: \\ The graph of \( f(x) \) has at least 8 turning points. \\ The graph of \( f(x) \) has at most 7 turning points. \\ The graph of \( f(x) \) has at least 7 turning points. \\ The graph of \( f(x) \) has at least 6 turning points. \\ The graph of \( f(x) \) has at most 8 turning points. \\ The graph of \( f(x) \) has at most 6 turning points. \\ \hline\end{tabular}
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The maximum number of turning points a polynomial can have is one less than its degree. Since the degree of the polynomial \( f(x) \) is 7, it can have at most 6 turning points. This is because the turning points occur at local minima and maxima, and for every increase or decrease in the degree, we can have those points changing direction. In polynomial functions, turning points are vital in analyzing the behavior of the graph, revealing how it shifts and bends. For a degree 7 polynomial, you can expect it can wiggle and turn quite a bit! However, don’t get misled into thinking it can turn infinitely; it’s tightly bounded by its degree, limiting its wildness to just 6 turning points at most.