even and odd functions?

Question

give reasons for using the terms "even" and "odd" as they apply to polynomial functions

thanks for the answers... but what you guys said are things that i already know.
i'm asking for reasons for using the terms "even" and "odd" as they apply to polynomial functions...
like why do you need to use terms even and odd...? something like that.

Answer 1

an even function is symmetric over the y-axis while an odd function is symmetric about the origin

Answer 2

Even Functions are when the degree of the polynomial is EVEN.

Odd Functions are when the degree of the polynomial is ODD.

(degree of a polynomial = highest exponent)

Answer 3

Even function are functions that are mirrored about the y-axis.
example: y=x^2 or f(x)=x^2

f(2) = 4
f(-2) = 4
_______________________________
Odd functions are mirrored about the x-axis and y-axis.
example: y=x^3 or f(x)=x^3

f(2) = 6
f(-2) = -6

Answer 4

if p(x)=p(-x) the polynomial is even
if p(-x)=-p(x) the it is an odd polynomial