Personal Polynomials Project

Mr. Yates – Algebra II with Trigonometry

Randomly generate the following numbers:

1. How many linear factors your polynomial will have (must be 3 or 4):
2. The coefficients of your linear factors between -3 and 4 (two
coefficients per factor: __x + __ ). List each linear factor here.

First factor:
Second:
Third:
Fourth if applicable:

Steps 3-13 should be done on separate sheets of paper, lined for algebraic
math work, graph-ruled for graphs.
3. Write down your resulting polynomial, p(x), in factored form.
4. Set your polynomial equal to 0 and solve to find its zeros (use the zero
factor property).
5. Graph each linear factor (line), on a single sheet of graph paper.
6. Use the method we learned today/yesterday to identify where your
polynomial is positive and negative, and draw a rough sketch its graph
on the same sheet of graph paper.
7. Identify the end behavior of your polynomial function.
8. Use the distributive property to multiply your factors together, then
combine like terms (show work!!!!), then write your polynomial in
standard form.
9. What are the degree and leading coefficient of your polynomial?
10. Evaluate your polynomial when x = 0 (that is, plug 0 in for x in
your polynomial). Show your arithmetic work, step by step, starting
with the factored form. Do again, showing your work, starting with
your polynomial in standard form. Do you get the same answer?
11. Evaluate your polynomial, in both forms, when x = 3.
12. Evaluate your polynomial, in both forms, when x = -2.
13. Graph all the lines and your final polynomial in GeoGebra, to verify
your graphs. Print this out and attach to the rest of your work.

Project will be graded out of 25, two points per step (with one possible
extra point). All pages must be stapled together, with your name at the
top of EVERY PAGE, to receive credit.