What is the smallest degree a polynomial with five relative minima and six relative maxima could have? (1 point)
Let's analyze the information given. A relative minimum or maximum occurs when the derivative of the function is equal to zero. Therefore, the polynomial must have at least 11 critical points (5 relative minima and 6 relative maxima).
Since each critical point requires a change in sign of the derivative, the degree of the polynomial must be at least 11.
Hence, the smallest degree the polynomial could have is 11.