Which of the following describes the function −x4 + 1? the degree of the function is even, so the ends of the graph continue in opposite directions. because the leading coefficient is positive, the left side of the graph continues down the coordinate plane and the right side continues upward. the degree of the function is even, so the ends of the graph continue in the same direction. because the leading coefficient is negative, the left side of the graph continues down the coordinate plane and the right side also continues downward. the degree of the function is even, so the ends of the graph continue in opposite directions. because the leading coefficient is negative, the left side of the graph continues up the coordinate plane and the right side continues downward. the degree of the function is even, so the ends of the graph continue in the same direction. because the leading coefficient is positive, the left side of the graph continues up the coordinate plane and the right side also continues upward.