Multiplicity. Use the sliders to create different polynomials of different degrees. [br]Start with a small amount of factors, then increase the number of factors and number of repeated factors as your understanding increases. Try various combinations of the factors, including using a specific factor more than once in the same equation.

1. How does the degree of the polynomial effect the number of roots in the equation?[br]2. What is the difference between the graphs of even and odd degree polynomials?[br]3. What effect does using a factor more than once in the same equation have on the graph of that equation?[br]4. Look at the multiplicity of a given factor. How do an even or odd multiplicity change how it touches or crosses the x-axis?