Use the given function to complete parts (a) through (e) below. \( f(x)=x^{4}-9 x^{2} \) a) Use the Leading coefficient Test to determine the graph's end behavior. A. The graph of \( f(x) \) rises left and falls right. B. The graph of \( f(x) \) rises left and rises right. C. The graph of \( f(x) \) falls left and falls right. D. The graph of \( f(x) \) falls left and rises right. b) Find the \( x \)-intercepts. \( x=\square \) (Type an integer or a decimal. Use a comma to separate answers as needed.) ( 0 .
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The Deep Dive
The function \( f(x) = x^4 - 9x^2 \) is a polynomial of degree 4, and since the leading coefficient (the coefficient in front of \( x^4 \)) is positive, we can determine that the graph will rise to the left and rise to the right. So, the answer is B: The graph of \( f(x) \) rises left and rises right. To find the \( x \)-intercepts, we set the function equal to zero: $$x^4 - 9x^2 = 0$$ Factoring out \( x^2 \), we have: $$x^2(x^2 - 9) = 0$$ This gives us \( x^2 = 0 \) or \( x^2 - 9 = 0 \). Solving these, we find \( x = 0, 3, -3 \). Therefore, the \( x \)-intercepts are \( x = 0, 3, -3 \).