Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

10 Zest for Progress

Z Peal of artnership

Mathematics
Quarter 2 - Module 1:
Polynomial Functions

Name of Learner: ___________________________

Grade & Section: ___________________________
Name of School: ___________________________
 What I Need to Know
In this module you will learn the concepts of polynomial functions.
Polynomial functions are mathematical models used to represent more
complicated situations in physics, economics, meteorology, ecology, biology,
and others. They are formed using real numbers just like the linear and
quadratic functions. In fact, linear and quadratic functions are special types
of polynomial functions.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define and illustrate polynomial functions; and

2. describe and interpret the graphs of polynomial M10AL – IIa – 1
functions.

Lesson Polynomial Functions

1
Let us start this module by recalling your knowledge on the concept of
polynomial expressions. This knowledge will help you understand the formal
definition of a polynomial function. Also, you need to revisit the lessons and
your knowledge on factoring polynomials and solving polynomial equations.
Your knowledge of these topics will help you sketch the graph of polynomial
functions manually. You may also use graphing utilities/tools in order to have
a clearer view and a more convenient way of describing the features of the
graph and focus on polynomial functions of degree 3 and higher.

2
 What’s In
A. Which is Which?
Determine whether each of the following is a polynomial expression
or not. Write P if it is a polynomial and NP if it is not. Write your answer
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. √𝑥 + 4
2. 12𝑥𝑦𝑧 2
2 1
3. 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 4 + 2
1 2 3
4. − 2
2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 𝑥
5. 5. 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 −1
6. 6. 5𝑥 3
− 4𝑥√2 + 𝑥
7. 7. 4𝑑 − 3
−2

Questions:

1. Did you answer each item correctly?

2. When can an expression be considered polynomial?

What’s New
Consider the following mathematical statements:

1. y = 5x3 - x + 2

2. P(x) = x2 + 2x -1

Question:

1. How do these mathematical statements differ from polynomial

expressions?

3
 What is it
The mathematical statements in the previous activity are examples of
polynomial functions.

A polynomial function is a function of the form

𝑃(𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 , 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0,

where n is a nonnegative integer, 𝑎0 , 𝑎1 , … , 𝑎𝑛 are real numbers called

coefficients, 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 is the leading term, 𝑎𝑛 is the leading coefficient, and

𝑎0 is the constant term.
The terms of a polynomial may be written in any order. However, if they
are written in decreasing powers of x, we say the polynomial function is in
standard form.

Other than P(x), a polynomial function may also be denoted by f(x).

sometimes, a polynomial function is represented by a set P of ordered pairs
(x, y). Thus, a polynomial function can be written in different ways, like the
following.

𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

Polynomials may also be written in factored form and as a product of

irreducible factors, that is, a factor that can no longer be factored using
coefficients that are real numbers. Here are some examples.

a. 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 − 56 in factored form 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 + 7)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 4)

b. 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 3 − 13𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 in factored form 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)
c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 3 + 45𝑥 2 + 66𝑥 − 45 in factored form 𝑦 = 3(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 5)

4
Activity1:

A. Fix and Move Them, then Fill Me Up

Consider the given polynomial functions then fill in the table below.

Polynomial
Leading Constant
Polynomial Function Function in Degree
Coefficient Term
Standard Form
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 − 11𝑥 + 2𝑥 2
2𝑥 3 5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = + + 15𝑥
3 3

3. 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 2 − 5)

4. 𝑦 = −𝑥(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
5. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 +
1)(𝑥 − 1)2

B. Do you miss me? Here I Am Again

Factor each polynomial completely using any method.

1. (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6)
2. (𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9)
3. (2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
4. 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 12
5. 2𝑥 4 + 7𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 − 27𝑥 − 18
Questions:

1. Did you get the answers correctly?

2. What method(s) did you use?

The preceding task is very important for you since it has something to
do with the x – intercepts of a graph. These are the x – values when y = 0,
thus, the point(s) where the graph intersects the x – axis can be determined.

To recall the relationship between factors and x – intercepts, consider

this example:

Find the intercepts of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6.

Solution:

To find the x – intercept/s, set y = 0. Use the factored form. That

is,

𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6
𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) Factor completely
0 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) Equate y = 0

5
 𝑥+1=0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 2 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 3 = 0 Equate each factor to 0
𝑥 = −1 𝑥=2 𝑥=3 to determine x

The x – intercepts are −1, 2, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3. This means the graph will pass
through (−1,0), (2,0), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (3,0).

Finding the y – intercept is more straight forward. Simply set x = 0 in

the given polynomial. That is,
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6
𝑦 = 03 − 4(0)2 + 0 + 6
𝑦=0

The y – intercept is 6. This means the graph will also pass through
(0,6).

Activity 3: What is the destiny of my behavior?

Given the polynomial function 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3), complete the
table below. Answer the questions that follow.

Value Value Relation of y value to 0: Location of the point (x,y):

of x of y 𝑦 > 0, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑜𝑟𝑦 < 0? above the x – axis, on the x
– axis, or below the x – axis
-5 144 𝑦>0 above the x – axis
-4
-3
-2 0 𝑦=0 on the x – axis
0
1
2
3
4

Questions:
1. At what point(s) does the graph pass through the x – axis?
2. If 𝑥 < −4, what can you say about the graph?
3. If −4 < 𝑥 < −2, what can you say about the graph?
4. If −2 < 𝑥 < 1, what can you say about the graph?
5. If 1 < 𝑥 < 3, what can you say about the graph?
6. If 𝑥 > 3, what can you say about the graph?

This table may be transformed into a simpler one that will instantly
help you in locating the curve. We call this the table of signs.

The roots of the polynomial function 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 −

3) are 𝑥 = −4, −2, 1, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3. These are the only values of x where the graph
will cross the x – axis. These roots partition the number lines into interval.
Test values are then chosen from within each interval.

The table of signs and the rough sketch of the graph of this function
can now be constructed, as shown below.

6
The Table of Signs

Intervals
𝑥 < −4 −4 < 𝑥 < −2 −2 < 𝑥 < 1 1<𝑥<3 𝑥>3
Test value -5 -3 0 2 4
(𝑥 + 4) − + + + +
(𝑥 + 2) − − + + +
(𝑥 − 1) − − − + +
(𝑥 − 3) − − − − +
𝑦 = (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)
+ − + − +
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3)
Position of the curve
above below above below above
relative to the x - axis

The Graph of 𝒚 = (𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 − 𝟏)(𝒙 − 𝟑).

We can now use the information from the table of signs to construct a
possible graph of the function. At this level, though, we cannot determine the
turning points of the graph, we can only be certain that the graph is correct
with respect to intervals where the graph is above, below, or on the x-axis.

The arrow heads at both ends of the graph signify that the graph
indefinitely goes upward.

In this activity, you learned how to sketch the graph of

polynomial functions using the intercepts, some points, and the
position of the curves determined from the table of signs.

7
 What’s More

Activity 4: Follow my Path

Shown below are polynomial functions and their corresponding

graphs. Study each figure and answer the questions that follow.
Case 1

The graph on the right is defined by

𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12
or in factored form
𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 4)

Questions:
a. Is the leading coefficient a positive
or a negative number?
b. Is the polynomial of even degree or
odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the
graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

Case 2

The graph on the right is defined by

𝑦 = −𝑥 5 + 3𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 4
or in factored form
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)2

Questions:
a. Is the leading coefficient a positive
or a negative number?
b. Is the polynomial of even degree or
odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the
graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

8
Case 3

The graph on the right is defined by

𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 or in factored form
𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)

Questions:
a. Is the leading coefficient a positive
or a negative number?
b. Is the polynomial of even degree or
odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the
graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

Case 4

The graph on the right is defined by

𝑦 = −𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 + 13𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 − 24
or in factored form
𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 4)

Questions:
a. Is the leading coefficient a positive
or a negative number?
b. Is the polynomial of even degree or
odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the
graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

9
 What I Have Learned

Now, complete this table. In the last column, draw a possible graph for
the function, showing how he function behaves. (You do not need to place your
graph on the xy – plane). The first one is done for you.

Behavior of
Leading the Graph:
Degree:
Sample polynomial Coefficient: Rising or Possible
Even
Function 𝑛 > 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑛 < Falling Sketch
or Odd
0 Left- Right-
hand hand

1. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 𝑛>0 odd falling rising

2. 𝑦 = −𝑥 5 + 3𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 −
7𝑥 2 + 4

3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 2 + 6𝑥

4. 𝑦 = −𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 + 13𝑥 2 −
14𝑥 − 24

Summarize your findings from the four cases above. What do you observe if:

1. the degree of the polynomial is odd and the leading coefficient is

positive?
2. the degree of the polynomial is odd and the leading coefficient is
negative?
3. the degree of the polynomial is even and the leading coefficient is
positive?
4. the degree of the polynomial is even and the leading coefficient is
negative?

You have now illustrated The Leading Coefficient Test. You should
have realized that this test can help you determine the end behaviors of the
graph of a polynomial function as x increases or decreases without bound.

10
 What I Can Do
Activity 5: It’s Your Turn, Show Me

For each of the following function below, give

a. the x – intercepts
b. the intervals obtained when the x – intercepts are used
to partition the number line
c. the table of signs
d. a sketch of the graph

1. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 4)

2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 26𝑥 2 + 25

Questions:
a. What happens to the graph as x decreases without bound?
b. For which interval(s) is the graph (i) above and (ii) below the x-axis?
c. What happens to the graph as x increases without bound?
d. What is the leading term of the polynomial function?
e. What are the leading coefficient and the degree of the function?

Assessment
Multiple Choice:
Directions: Read the questions carefully. Choose the letter of the correct
answer.

1. Which of the following could be the value of n in the equation

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒇 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏?
1
A. −3 𝐵. 0 𝐶. 𝐷. √5
2

2. Which of the following is NOT a polynomial function?

A. 𝒇(𝒙) = ∏ C. 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙 + √𝟓𝒙𝟑
𝟏
𝟐
B. 𝒇(𝒙) = − 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏 D. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟓 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐
𝟑

3. In the polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝟔𝒙𝟑 + 𝟕𝒙𝟒 + 𝟏𝟎 + 𝟒𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙, what is the
leading coefficient?
A. 7 B. 6 C. 4 D. -3

4. The graph of 𝑝(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) crosses the x – axis __________.

A. once B. twice C. thrice D. four time

5. What is the degree of the polynomial function defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 𝑛−2 +

2𝑥 3𝑛−5 − 4𝑥 2𝑛+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑛 = 3?
A. 10 B. 7 C. 3 D. 1

11
 𝟏
6. How should the polynomial function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟏𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 be written
𝟐
in standard form?
𝟏 𝟏
A. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏𝟏𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟐 C. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏𝟏𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙
𝟐 𝟐
𝟏 𝟏
B. 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟏𝒙𝟒 D. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟏𝒙𝟒
𝟐 𝟐

7. Which polynomial function in factored form represents the given graph?

A. 𝒚 = (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐

B. 𝒚 = −(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐
C. 𝒚 = (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟏)
D. 𝒚 = −(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟏)

8. Which of the following should be the graph of 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟒 − 𝟓𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒?

A. B. C. D.

9. Given that 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟕𝒙−𝟑𝒏 + 𝒙𝟐 , what value should be assigned to n to

make f a function of degree 7?
𝟕 𝟑 𝟑 𝟕
A. − B. − C. D.
𝟑 𝟕 𝟕 𝟑

10. Your friend Myrna asks your help in drawing a rough sketch of the graph
of 𝒚 = −(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)(𝟐𝒙𝟒 − 𝟑) by means of the Leading Coefficient Test. How will
you explain the behavior of the graph?
A. The graph is falling to the left and rising to the right.
B. The graph is rising to both left and right.
C. The graph is rising to the left and falling to the right.
D. The graph is falling to both left and right.

12
References
1. Mathematics Learner’s Module 10
2. Teachers Guide in Mathematics 10
3. Oriones, F. et. al., Advanced Algebra for Fourth Year High
School. Quezon City, Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House,
Inc.
4. Litong, D., Fourth Year Contemporary Math. Makati City,
Philippines: Salesiana Publishers, Inc.

Website Link

1. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Graphing+Polynomi
al+Functions
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miTyZ...
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aKes_9Ktjl

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Arlene T. Ordeniza
Editors: Elma Marie L. Reso-or, Rizaldo Calunsag
Reviewer: Ismael K. Yusoph, Ellen A. Olario, Armil O. Turtor

Management Team:
Ma. Liza R. Tabilon
Ma. Judelyn J. Ramos
Armando P. Gumapon
Judith Romaguera
Lilia E. Abello
Evelyn C. Labad
Ma. Theresa M. Imperial
Nilda Y. Galaura
 What Is It
Activity 3: What is the destiny of my behavior
Assessment
1. B
2. D
3. A
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. B
8. A
9. A
10. D
Activity 1
Fix and Move Them, then Fill Me Up
Activity 2 What’s In:
B. Do you miss me? Here I Am A. Which is Which?
Again 1. Not polynomial because the variable of
one term is inside the radical sign
A. (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2) 2. Polynomial
B. (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 3) 3. Not polynomial because the exponents of
C. (2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) the variables are not whole numbers
D. (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) 4. Not polynomial because the variables are
E. (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) in the denominator
5. Polynomial
6. Polynomial
7. Not polynomial because the exponent of
the variable is negative
Answer Key
What I Have Learned
Summary Table
Synthesis: (The Leading Coefficient Test)
1. If the degree of the polynomial is odd and the leading coefficient is positive, then the graph falls to
the left and rises to the right.
2. If the degree of the polynomial is odd and the leading coefficient is negative, then the graph rises to
the left and falls to the right.
3. If the degree of the polynomial is even and the leading coefficient is positive, then the graph rises to
the right and also rises to the left.
4. If the degree of the polynomial is even and the leading coefficient is negative, then the graph falls to
the left and also falls to the right.
What’s More:
Activity 4: Follow My Path