Unit 2: Polynomial Functions Date: Lesson #1: Introduction to Polynomial Functions L.G.: “can recognize the equation or graph of a polynomial function and investigate the relationship between the degree of a polynomial and its finite difference.” Polynomial Functions: A polynomial function is a function whose equation is defined by a polynomial in one variable. f(x)=a,x" +4, ,x"! +a,4x"? +..+a,x7 bax hay where 4,4,,45.4, are real numbers and 7 is whole number. Examples of Polynomial Functions Examples of non-polynomial Functions ‘The coefficient of the highest term is called the The of the polynomial function is the value of the highest exponent of the variable. A function, f(x) = ax +b, is a polynomial function of degree A function, f(x)= ax? +bx-+e isa polynomial function of degree A. 3" degree polynomial function, f(x) = ax’ + bx’ + cx +d, is called a function, A.4" degree polynomial function, f(x) =ax* + bx® + ex* +dx+e,, is called a function. A 5" degree polynomial function, f(x) = ax‘ + bx‘ + cx? +dx* +ex+f , is called a function. Domain and Range ‘The domain of a polynomial function is . Whereas the range of a polynomial function is Thus, there are no vertical or horizontal asymptotes for a polynomial function. Zeros of Polynomial Functions in Factored Form ‘The zeros of a function are the and can easily be found when the polynomial function is in factored form. Using & as the leading coefficient, © the linear function f(x) = k(x —) has a zero * the quadratic function f(x) =k(x—s)(x~2) has zeros © the cubic function f(x) = k(x —s)(r—1)(r—u) has zeros a Note that s, ¢, and/or w can be any real value, possibly being equal in values. Different behaviour happens when a zero or zero occur. (We will investigate this later!) Extra Practice: P 127 # 1,2, 3,5Unit 2: Polynomial Functions Date: Investigating Finite Differences in Polynomial Functions Recall that for a linear function, the rate of The rate of change for a quadratic function is variable, change is constant as well as the Ist difference _but the second differences are constant. x yasx-2 1 x | psx? 43x41 1 a difference difference | difference 2 8 2 9 = 3 “I 3 0 2 0 1 1 I 1 3 2 4 2 3 Does the degree of a polynomial function influence the value of the finite differences? Consider the following cubic and quartic polynomial functions. 3 Dose PE 3" poe] pF 2 2 =I al 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 x | y=2rea [| [2 x [ysaetee ty [2 7 2 =I 0 1 2 3 x] ys-4v+2ee1 [I [2 73" x |y mya" 73" 7a" 2 2 -l A oO 0 1 1 2 2 3 1. If the function is a cubic polynomial 2, Ifthe funetion is a degree four polynomial function, function, the difference is constant. the difference is constant. 3, Ifthe function is a degree five polynomial _4, Is there a relation between the leading coefficient of function, the difference is constant. a polynomial of degree n and its common difference? Extra Practice: P 127 #1, 2,3, 5