10

Mathematics
Quarter 2 – Module 1:
Illustrations and Graphs of
Polynomial Functions
Mathematics – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 1: Illustrations and Graphs of Polynomial Functions
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use
these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors
do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education, SDO Cabanatuan City.

Schools Division Superintendent: Teresa D. Mababa, CESO V
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Enrique E. Angeles Jr., CESO VI

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Genaro P. Matamis
Editor: Mofel P. Panahon, PhD
Ubaldo A. Soriano, Jr.
Elmer D. Puyat
Jerwin S. Tanghal
Shalee S. San Pedro
Naomi L. Caparas

Reviewer: SDO Cabanatuan City

Illustrator: Genaro P. Matamis
Layout Artist: Genaro P. Matamis
Management Team: Priscilla D. Sanchez, PhD-CID Chief
Sonny P. De Leon, PhD-EPS, Mathematics
Ever M. Samson, PhD-EPS, LRMS

Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Region III –

Schools Division of Cabanatuan City.

Office Address: Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City

Telefax: (044) 463-7334
E-mail Address: www.cabanatuan.city@deped.gov.ph
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written for the learners. After going
through this module, the learner is expected to:
1. illustrate polynomial functions (M10AL-IIa-1); and
2. determine and interpret graphs of polynomial functions
(M10AL-IIa-b-1).

What I Know

Direction: Identify the letter that corresponds to the correct answer for the
following questions. Write your answers on separate sheet/s of paper.

1. Which of the following is a polynomial function?

a. f (x) = 2x4 + x3 - 4x2 + 7x - 2 c. f (x) = x-3 - 2
1
b. g (x) = 5x6 - 3x3 - √2𝑥 d. g (x) = 𝑥 2 + 3x2 - x + 3

2. What is the graph of a quadratic function?

a. straight line c. cubics
b. parabola d. quartics

3. Which of the following end behaviors of the polynomial function

f(x) = x3 – x2 – 5x – 3 will come up if you use the leading coefficient test?
a. both ends are falling c. both ends are rising
b. left end falls, right end rises d. left end rises, right end falls

4. From the choices, which polynomial function in factored form represents the given
graph?
a. y = (x + 2)(x + 1)(x – 1)
b. y = (x + 1)(x – 1)(x – 2)
c. y = x(x + 2)(x + 1)(x – 1)
d. y = x(x + 1)(x – 1)(x – 2)

5. What is the end behavior of the graph of the polynomial function

P(x) = (x – 3)(-x + 3)3?
a. falls on left, rises on right c. falls on both ends
b. rises on both ends d. rises on left, falls on right

1
 Lesson Illustrations and Graphs of
1 Polynomial Functions

Congratulations! You are now ready on polynomial functions.

Do you know that functions are just around us? Even in our own body,
functions exist. It is composed of different systems which function differently that is
why we are still alive. The motorcycle parts have different functions so it can
transport individuals to other places. Amazing!... but Wait! There is more! You can
make a polynomial function by making a box. Really? Yes! That is true. So, continue
learning this module and later you will be amazed. In this module, you will learn a
lot about illustrating polynomial functions and later you can see how they look like
and behave with their graphs.

What’s In

In your previous years’ lesson, you have sketched graphs of linear and quadratic
functions. Let us see what you have got prior to the next topics.
1. What is the graph of a linear function?
a. Straight line c. Cubics
b. Parabola d. Quartics

2. The graph of y = ax2, where a ≠ 0 is tangent to the _______.

a. x-axis at 0 c. y-axis at 0
b. x-axis at for any value of a. d. y-axis for any value of a.

2
 What’s New

Now you are ready to learn how to illustrate polynomial functions.

Do you know that polynomial functions can be illustrated by an equation
derived from a piece of rectangular cardboard? Yes! That is true! You can make
polynomial functions by making an open box.

How are open boxes made?

Take a thin rectangular cardboard. Make cuts along the bold line on the sides
as shown below. Fold along the dotted lines. Staple or glue the sides to each other.
In an instant you have a box!

30 cm
20 cm

If you make boxes from rectangles 30 cm by 20 cm and make cuts of different

lengths, will the volume of the boxes be the same?
The cut made is actually a side of a square. If the cut is 1 cm long, the volume
will be (30 - 2)(20 - 2)(1) or 504 cm3. What if the cut is 2 cm long? 3 cm long? 5 cm
long?

If the length of the cut is x cm, the height of the box x cm. Hence, the volume
of the box is:
V = (length)(width)(height)
V = (30 - 2x)(20 - 2x)(x) or V = 4x3 -100x2 + 600x

This equation represents a polynomial function that is cubic or of degree 3.

3
 What is It

The Polynomial Functions:

The function defined by the equation y = anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 +...+ a1x + a0,
where n is a non-negative integer and the coefficients an, an-1, an-2…, a1, a0 are real
numbers and an ≠ 0, is called a polynomial function.
From the definition, the following are implied:

a. Each exponent is a whole number.

b. Denominators contain no variable.
c. No variable is under the radical sign.

Example 1. Identify which among the items below are polynomial functions.

a. f (x) = 2 — x + 3x2 — 4x4 d. F (x) = √7𝑥 + 3

b. g (x) = 3x2 - 4x + 1 - x-1 e. P (x) = (3x2 + 2x)2
3
c. h (x) = √5x7 + 2x3 - x f. G (x) = -4x2 + 2𝑥 2 + x

Solution: To identify the polynomial functions, use its definition.

a. f (x) which can be written as f (x) = — 4x4 + 3x2 - x + 2 is a polynomial function.
b. g (x) is not a polynomial function because the exponent of the fourth term
is negative.
c. h (x) is a polynomial function.
d. F (x) is not a polynomial function because the first term has x under the
radical sign.
e. P (x) when expanded is 9x4 + 12x3 + 4x2. Thus, P (x) is a polynomial function.
f. G (x) is not a polynomial function because it has a fractional exponent in x
in the second term.

The study of functions begins by looking at two simpler classes of polynomial

functions - the linear and the quadratic functions.

A linear function is a polynomial function defined by an equation of degree

1, f(x) = ax + b, where a ≠ 0.
A quadratic function is a polynomial function defined by an equation of
degree 2, f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0.

4
Let us look at the graphs of the two functions below.

A. B.

C. D.

In the graphs of the functions shown above, pictures a and b are visual
sketches of linear functions, while c and d are of quadratic functions.

Graphs of polynomial functions of degree greater than 2:

In this section you will encounter several terms and conditions pertaining to
the graphs of polynomial functions. These terms are “crosses the x-axis”, “tangent to
the x-axis”, “flattens out at the x-axis”, “y-intercept”, “falls on left”, “rises on right”,
“rises on left”, “falls on right”, etc. You will be taught to graph polynomial functions
considering its zeros, leading coefficients, and degrees.

Example 1. Sketch the graph of the polynomial function y = -x(x + 2)(2x – 3).

3
Solution: The zeros of the polynomial function are 0, -2, and , respectively. Also,
2
since (-x), (x + 2), and (2x – 3) are first degree factors, then the graph must cross
the x-axis on all its zeros.
Illustration:

The graph
crosses the
x-axis at -2,
0, and 3/2.

5
Example 2. Sketch the graph of the polynomial function f (x) = (x – 1)(x + 2)2.

Solution: The zeros of the polynomial function are 1 and -2, respectively, on which
the graph touches the x-axis. Since (x – 1) is a linear factor of the polynomial, then
the graph must cross the x-axis at 1. Moreover, since (x + 2)2 is a squared factor of
the polynomial, then the graph is tangent at the point (-2, 0).
The y-intercept is (-1)(2)2= -4.

Illustration:

The graph
The graph is crosses the x-
tangent at axis at 1.
the x-axis at
-2.

The graph
crosses the y-
intercept -4.

Example 3. Sketch the graph of the polynomial function f(x) = (x + 2)(x - 1)3.
Solution: The zeros of the polynomial function are -2 and 1, respectively, on which
the graph touches the x-axis. Since (x + 2) is a linear factor of the polynomial, then
the graph must cross the x-axis at -2. Moreover, since (x – 1)3 is a cubed factor of
the polynomial, then the graph crosses and flattens out on the x-axis at 1. The y-
intercept is (2)(-1)3 = -2.

Illustration:

The graph
The graph crosses and
crosses the flattens out on
x-axis at -2. the x-axis at 1.

The graph
crosses the
y-intercept -2.

The three examples above are graphs of polynomial functions written in

factored form. It was clearly illustrated that the curve behaves accordingly to the
multiplicity of its factors on its zeros and y-intercept. For higher odd powers, such

6
as 5, 7, and 9, the graph will still cross through the x-axis, but for each increasing
odd power, the graph will appear flatter as it approaches and leaves the x-axis. For
high even powers, such as 4, 6, and 8, the graph will still touch and bounce off the
x-axis, but for each increasing even power, the graph will appear flatter as it
approaches and leaves the x-axis. Let us now proceed to the end behaviors of the
graphs using the leading coefficient test.

End behaviors of the graphs of polynomial functions:

In the polynomial function f(x)=anxn + an-1xn-1+ an-2xn-2 +… + a1x + a0; the term
anxnis where the leading coefficient and the degree can be found.

 If the leading coefficient an is positive and the degree n is odd, the graph falls
on left and rises on right. But if an is negative and the degree n is odd, the
graph rises on left and falls on right. The end behaviors of the graphs will look
like a cubics graph.

a. If an is positive and the degree n b. If an is negative and the degree n

is odd, the graph falls on left and is odd, the graph rises on left and
rises on right. falls on right.

 If the leading coefficient an is positive and the degree n is even, the graph rises
on both left and right. But if an is negative and the degree n is even, the graph
falls on both left and right. The end behaviors of the graphs will look like a
quartics graph.

c. If an is positive, the degree n d. If an is negative, the degree n

is even, the graph rises on is even, the graph falls on both
both left and right. left and right.

Example: Determine the end behaviors of the graphs of the polynomial functions
below using the leading coefficient test.
1. P(x) =(x – 2)(x + 3)(-2x + 1)
2. Q(x) = x2 + 2x – 4
3. F(x) = 3x – 5x5 + 7x2 + 6x + 2

7
 4. H(x) = (x – 3)5(-3x + 2)2
5. G(x) = -3x4 + 3x3 – x + 1

Solutions:

1. Let us solve for the leading coefficient and degree of the polynomial function
P(x) =(x – 2)(x + 3)(-2x + 1) because it is not written in the standard form.
To solve for the degree and the leading coefficient: (x)(x)(-2x) = -2x3, the leading
coefficient is -2 (negative) and the degree is 3 (odd). The behavior of the graph
of the polynomial function is under category b of the cubics graphs as shown
in page 7. Hence, the graph of the function rises on left and falls on right.

2. The polynomial function Q(x) = x2 + 2x – 4 is already written in standard form,

and the leading coefficient and degree are on the term x 2.
The leading coefficient is 1(positive) and the degree is 2(even). The behavior of
the graph of the polynomial function is under category c of the quartics graphs
as shown in page 7. Hence, the graph of the function rises on both left and
right.

3. The polynomial function F(x) = 3x + 5x5 - 7x2 + 6x + 2 is already written in

standard form, and the leading coefficient and degree are on the term 5x 5.
The leading coefficient is 5(positive) and the degree is 5(odd). The behavior of
the graph of the polynomial function is under category a of the cubics graphs
as shown in page 7. Hence, the graph of the function falls on left and rises
on right.

4. Let us solve for the leading coefficient and degree of the polynomial function
H(x) = (x – 3)5(-3x + 2)2 because it is not written in the standard form.
To solve for the degree and the leading coefficient: (x) 5(-3x)2 = 9x7, the leading
coefficient is 9(positive) and the degree is 7(odd). The behavior of the graph of
the polynomial function is under category a of the cubics graphs as shown in
page 7. Hence, the graph of the function falls on left and rises on right.

5. The polynomial function G(x) = -3x4 + 3x3 – x + 1 is already written in standard

form, and the leading coefficient and degree are on the term -3x4. The leading
coefficient is -3(negative) and the degree is 4(even). The behavior of the graph
of the polynomial function is under category d of the quartics graphs as shown
in page 7. Hence, the graph of the function falls on both left and right.

8
 What’s More

Enrichment Activity 1. Come and Get Me!

Take all the polynomial functions from the box and write them in any order
from numbers 1 to 5 using separate sheets of paper.

1. F(x) = x2+ 3x – 1 G(x) = 2x-2+ x + 6

2. G(x) = 9x – x3+ 2x2 – 7 H(x) = √7x – 2

2
2
3. H(x) = + x3 P(x) = 8 – 𝑥 3 + x4
3𝑥
3𝑥
4. P(x) = – x6 – 2x3 + 1 F(x) = x – 2
4
1
5. F(x) = 5 + 2√𝑥 + 9x3 G(x) = - +5
𝑥

Enrichment Activity 2. Know My Behavior!

Put a check on the corresponding identity of the leading coefficient, degree

and end behaviors of the graph of the given polynomial functions on the left. Make a
copy of the table below for your answers.

Leading Falls Rises Falls Rises

Degree
coefficient left, left, on on
Polynomial Functions
rises falls both both
right right ends ends
Positive Negative Odd Even

F(x) = x2 + 3x + 2

P(x) = -x - 3x3 + x2 + 1

G(x) = 4 + x - 2x4 + 2x3 - x2

H(x) = 6x5 + 7

9
 What I Have Learned

In this module, you have learned about illustrations and graphs of polynomial
functions. Following are the main concepts of our lesson.

Direction: Read each question below carefully and fill in the blank(s) with the
correct answer. Use separate sheet/s of paper for your answers.

1. The standard form of polynomial function is _______________________________.

2. An expression is a polynomial function only when: _________________________.
3. The leading coefficient test is used to determine the ________________________.
4. The graph of the polynomial function f(x) = x2(x – 3)(x + 2)3 is tangent to x-axis
at ___, crosses the x-axis at ___, and flattens out on the x-axis at ___.
5. If the leading coefficient is positive and the degree is odd, then the graph of
the polynomial function falls ___________________.
6. If the leading coefficient is positive and the degree is even, then the graph of
the polynomial function rises ______________________.
7. If the leading coefficient is negative and the degree is odd, then the graph of
the polynomial function rises ______________________.
8. If the leading coefficient is negative and the degree is even, then the graph of
the polynomial function falls ______________________.

10
 What I Can Do

Direction: Solve the problems below using separate sheet/s of paper.

1. A bond paper 11 inches by 8.5 inches is to be used to make an open box.

Squares of equal sides x are cut out of each corner then the sides are folded
to make a box. Show how the volume (in terms of x) of the box must be
computed.
11 in
x
x

8.5 in
x
x
2. A rectangular cardboard 15 inches by 12 inches is to be used to make an
open box. Squares of equal sides [2 inches] are cut out of each corner then
the sides are folded to make a box. Find the volume of the box.
15 in 2
2
12 in

2
2

11
 Assessment

Direction: Identify the letter that corresponds to the correct answer for the following
questions. Write your answers on separate sheet/s of paper.

1. Which of the following is an example of a polynomial function?

4
a. f(x) = 3 + 3x – 1 c. f(x) = √7x – 2x6
𝑥
3
3
b. f(x) = 2𝑥 2 - 𝑥 2 d. f(x) = x3 + √3𝑥 – 5
2

2. A 13 by 8.5 inches bond paper is to be used for making an open box for candies.
If Anna cuts 2 by 2 inches squares among all corners, what would be the volume
of the box when all sides are attached to each other?
a. 81 in2 c. 169 in2
b. 143 in2 d. 200 in2

3. Your classmate Liza encounters difficulties in showing a sketch of the graph of

y = 2x3 + 3x2 - 4x – 6. You know that the quickest technique is the leading
coefficient test. You want to help Liza in her problem. What clue should you give?
a. The graph falls to the left and rises to the right.
b. The graph rises to both left and right.
c. The graph rises to the left and falls to the right.
d. The graph falls to both left and right.

4. Which of the following are characteristics of the graph of f(x) = -(x – 1)2(x + 1)?
a. The graph crosses the x-axis at 1 and -1.
b. The graph crosses the x-axis at 1, touches the x-axis at -1, and its
turning point is at x = 1.
c. The graph touches the x-axis at 1 and its turning point is at x = 1.
d. The graph crosses the x-axis at -1, touches the x-axis at 1, and its
turning point is at x = 1.

5. Which of the following end behaviors of the polynomial function f(x) = x4 – 3x2 +
2x – 16 will come up if you use the leading coefficient test?
a. Both ends are going down.
b. Left end is going down, right end is going up.
c. Both ends are going up.
d. Left end is going up, right end is going down.

12
 13
What I Can Do What I have Learned
1. Given: length = 11 – 2x 1. f(x)=anxn + an-1xn-1+ an-2xn-2 +… + a1x
width = 8.5 – 2x + a0.
height = x 2. each exponent is a whole number,
V = (length)(width)(height) denominators contain no variable,
V = (11 – 2x)(8.5 – 2x)(x) in3 and no variable is under the radical
sign.
2. Given: length = 15 – 2(2) or 11
3. ends behavior of the graphs of
width = 12 – 2(2) or 8
polynomial functions.
height = 2
4. 0, 3, -2.
V = (length)(width)(height)
5. falls on left, rises on right.
V = (11)(8)(2) in3 6. rises on both left and right.
V = 176 in3 7. rises on left, falls on right.
8. falls on both left and right.
What's More What’s In
Enrichment Act. 2 1. A
2. A
Positive Negative Odd Even Falls Rises Falls Rises
Left, left, on on
rises falls both both
right right ends ends
/ / /
/ / /
/ / /
/ / /
What I Know What's More Assessment
1. A Enrichment Act. 1 1. C
2. B (answers can be in any 2. A
3. B order) 3. A
4. D 1. F(x) = x2+ 3x – 1 4. D
5. C 2. G(x) = 9x – x3+ 2x2 – 5. C
7
3. H(x) = √7x – 2
3𝑥
4. P(x) = – x6 –2x3 + 1
4
5. F(x) = x – 2
Answer Key
References

Books:
Callanta, Melvin; Canonigo, Allan; Chua, Arnaldo; Cruz, Jerry; Esparrago, Mirla;
Garcia, Elino; Magnaye, Aries, Orines, Fernando; Perez, Rowena; and Ternida,
Concepcion. 2015. Mathematics – Grade 10 Learner’s Module. Pasig City,
Philippines. Department of Education
Esparrago, Mirla; Manalo, Catalina; and Reyes, Jr., Nestor. 2015. Next Century
Mathematics. Quezon City, Philippines. PHOENIX PUBLISHING HOUSE, INC.
Collado, Clarissa; Macalanda, Marwin; and Saren, Lorelie. 2011. Next Generation
Math. Makati City, Philippines. DIWA LEARNING SYSTEMS INC.
Pascua, Leonarda. 1992. Mathematics IV for Fourth Year High School. University of
the Philippines. Instructional Materials Corporation.

Websites:
Abramson, Jay. 2015. Zeros and Multiplicity. College Algebra.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymakercollegealgebra/chapter/multiplicity-
and-turning-points/. November 4, 2020.

Stapel, Elizabeth. 2020. Polynomial Graphs: End Behavior.

https://www.purplemath.com/modules/polyends.htm. October 25, 2020.
Abramson, Jay. 2014. Precalculus.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/precalcone/chapter/graphs-of-polynomial-
functions/. October 25, 2020

14