The end behavior for a polynomial corresponds to the leading coefficient. If it is positive, then it will always start down. If it is negative, then it will always start up. The degree of the leading coefficient corresponds to the exponent. If the degree is even, then the graph will end UP. If the degree is odd, then the graph will end DOWN. There are four different possibilities for end behavior: Up up, Up down, Down up, Down down. Polynomials are classified by degree and number of terms. One term means it is a monomial, two means it is a binomial, three is trinomial, and four is sometimes called a quadrinomial. If the degree is 1 then it is constant, if it is 2 then it is quadratic, 3 is cubic, 4 is quartic, and 5 is quintic.