3.

1 Characteristics of Polynomial Functions

A polynomial function is the addition or subtractions of terms that contain variables and
constants.

...

Where ∈R, ∈

Degree: the exponent to the highest power of , which is

Leading coefficient: the number in front of the highest power of ,

Constant Term: the term without a variable, which is . Also the value when 0

Example 1:

Polynomial Degree Leading Name

Coefficient
3
2 5
2
2 4 5
0.3 √3 2
√5 4 5

Non-Polynomial Reason
3
2√
2 . 5
2 5

√ 5 5

The end behaviour of a polynomial function is the y-value of the function as the x-value
approaches +∞ and -∞.

The end behaviour is based on the leading term of the polynomial; specifically the degree and
whether the leading coefficient is positive or negative.
Graphs of Polynomial Functions

1) Constant Function 2) Linear Function

Degree : Degree :

Number of intercepts: Number of intercepts:

End behaviour : End behaviour :

Domain: Domain:

Range: Range:

3) Quadratic Function 4) Cubic Function

Degree : Degree :

Number of intercepts: Number of intercepts:

End behaviour : End behaviour :

Domain: Domain:

Range: Range:
5) Quartic Function 6) Quintic Function

Degree : Degree :

Number of intercepts: Number of intercepts:

End behaviour : End behaviour :

Domain: Domain:

Range: Range:

What patterns do you notice about these graphs?

What happens if <0?

Maximum – the largest y-value(s) for the function

Relative Maximum – largest y-value of all the points around it

Absolute Maximum – largest y-value for all points in the function

Minimum – the smallest y-value

Relative Minimum – smallest y-value of all points around it

Absolute Minimum – smallest y-value for all points in the function

Zeros – value(s) of x when y = 0

where the graph hits the x axis
x-intercept
roots

Summary:

Polynomial functions can fit in three categories: constant, odd or even. They are continuous and
are smooth (no edges).

Constant:

Odd:

Even:

HW p. 114 # 1-4, 6, 7, 9, 11, C2

3.2 The Remainder Theorem

Division Statement:

Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder

7=2×3+1

OR
Dividend = Quotient + Remainder
Divisor Divisor

= 2 +

Example 1: Determine the division statement:

a.)

b.) 834352/7
Long Division:

Divide: ( − 9 + 10) by ( − 2)

_________________
− 2 ) − 9 + 10 Compare the two leading coefficients:

1. Determine how many times x goes into . That

goes on top.

2. Multiply the divisor by the top and subtract from

the dividend.

3. Bring down the next value in the dividend and

repeat.

4. When you can no longer divide, that is your

remainder.
Example 2:
a.) Divide: (3 − 5 + 10) by ( + 2)

b.) Divide: (3 − 5 + 2 − 6 + 10) by ( + 2)

Synthetic Division:
(Different than book, but this method is more common)

1. Find a root of the divisor

2. Find the coefficients of the dividend
3. Bring down the first term
4. Multiply the outside, add the inside
5. The last number is the remainder, the second last is the constant and each term to the left is one
degree higher.

Examples:
a.) Divide: (3 − 5 + 10) by ( + 2)

b.) Divide: (3 − 2 − 5 + 10) by ( − 1)

c.) Divide: ( − 3 + 23) by ( + 1)

The Remainder Theorem:

If the polynomial ( ) is divided by − , the remainder is ( ).

Example 3:

a.) What is the remainder when ( ) = 3 − 5 + 6 − 2 is divided by ( + 1)?

b.) For what value of k will the remainder be -2 when ( ) = −2 + − 5 is divided by

( − 3)?

p 124: 1-13
3.3 The Factor Theorem

Factor Theorem:

If a polynomial ( ) is divided by ( − ) and the remainder is zero, then ( − ) is a factor of ( ).

In other words, if ( ) = 0, then ( − ) is a factor of P(x).

Example:
Does ( ) = +2 + 4 + 8 have a factor of ( + 2)?

Rational Root Theorem (Possible Roots):

The possible roots of polynomial ( ) = + +. . . + + are :

Factors of a0
Factors of an

Example 1:

2x3-5x -9 has possible roots:

Factors of =
Factors of

Factoring Polynomials:
To factor a polynomial, we must use the rational root theorem and factor theorem to determine the
roots.
Using the possible roots, we can try to find a root that satisfies the factor theorem; in other words, find
a value of "a" such that P(a) = 0.

Steps: Factoring (or solving) an n>2 degree polynomial.

1. Find all possible roots

2. Find a root that satisfies P(a) =0; start testing with smaller values.
3. Synthetically divide the factor.
4. Repeat until completely factored; do not forget to include all roots.
*Note: Factors can always be repeated!
Example 2:
Factor completely:

a.) − 2 − 13 − 10

b.) 2 − 7 − 7 + 12
c.) − 3 + 3 − 1

d.) 2 − 5 − 4 + 3
e.) −5 + 2 + 20 − 24

Example 3:
Solve by factoring:

a.) −3 + + 3 − 2 = 0
b.) x4 + 4x3 + 2x2 -5x - 2 = 0

Examples 4:

1. A box is constructed such that the length is three times the width and the height is 3 cm longer than
the width, with a volume of 600 cm3. What are the dimensions of the box?
2. The product of three consecutive odd integers is 105. What are the numbers?

P 133: 1-16
3.4 Equations and Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Without the help of a graphing calculator, a polynomial function can be sketched with the
following characteristics:
a.) Degree
b.) Sign of leading coefficient
c.) In a factored form
- x-intercepts (zeros)
- multiplicity
d.) y-intercept

Multiplicity
The multiplicity of a function is the number of times a zero is repeated:
Example 1: Determine the zeros and the multiplicities of the corresponding zeros for the
function. Then determine the degree.
( ) = ( − 1) ( − 5)( + 2)
There are three types of multiplicities at =
Multiplicity of 1:
The graph passes through the point.

Even multiplicity:
The graph bounces at the point; the higher the multiplicity the wider it appears.

Odd multiplicity:
The graph passes through the point but is similar to a = graph.
Example 2: Sketch the following:
State the
i.) Degree
ii.) Leading Coefficient
iii.) End behaviours
iv) zeros
v.) y-intercept
vi.) Regions where the graph is positive
vii.) Regions where the graph is negative

a.) = ( − 1)( + 2)( + 3)

b.) = − (2 − 3) ( + 2)

c.) = −2 + 6 −4
d.) = −3 −6 + 28 − 24

Example 2: Find a possible equation for the following graphs; determine the least possible
degree.