Since b is a constant, it must not contain any powers. This means b has no overall effect on the degree.
Thus, let's take a look at f(x) and g(x).
The degree of \( f(x) + b \cdot g(x)\) is essentially the larger degree for f(x) and b(x).
f(x) has a degree of 5, because the leading term is \(2x^5\)
g(x) has a degree of 6, because the leading term is \(x^6\)
Thus, the degree of the polynomial must have a degree of 6.
So the smallest possible degree is 6.
Thanks! :)