MATHEMATICS 10

POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS
This knowledge will help you understand the formal definition of a polynomial function.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Illustrates polynomial functions.
2. Understand, describe and interpret the graph of the polynomial functions.
3. Solve problems involving polynomial functions.

A. POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS
Definition: A polynomial function is a function of the form
P ( x ) =an x n+ a( n – 1 ) x n – 1 +a n – 2 x n – 2 +…+ a2 x 2 +a 1 x +a0 ; a n ≠ 0

where n is a nonnegative integer, a 0 , a1 , ..., a n are real numbers called coefficients, a n x nis the leading
term, a n is the leading coefficient, and a 0 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:

B. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GRAPHS OF POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

The graph of a polynomial function has the following characteristics.
1. The graph of a polynomial function is a smooth curve. It does not have sharp corners.
2. The graph is continuous. It has no breaks.

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C.1. GRAPHING A POLYNOMIAL FUNCTION USING x∧ y - INTERCEPT
The following are the steps in graphing a polynomial function.
1. Find the x−intercepts of the polynomial function f ( x). Set f ( x )=0 and solve for x . Note
that these values are the zeros of the polynomial functions.
2. Find the y−intercepts . Set x=0 and solve for f (0).
3. Plot the x∧ y −intercepts .
4. Use the leading coefficient test. Consider a polynomial function
P ( x ) =an x n+ a( n – 1 ) x n – 1 +a n – 2 x n – 2 +…+ a2 x 2 +a 1 x +a0 where a n ≠ 0
a. ODD NUMBER:
1) If the leading coefficient is positive, that is, a n> 0, the graph falls to the left and
rises to the right.

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2) If the leading coefficient is negative, that is, a n< 0, the graph falls to the right and
rises to the left.

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 b. EVEN NUMBER:
1) If the leading coefficient is positive, that is, a n> 0, the graph rises to the left and to
the right.

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2) If the leading coefficient is negative, that is, a n< 0, the graph falls to the right and
to the left.

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CHORDS, ARCS, AND ANGLES OF THE CIRCLE

INTRODUCTION:
In this lesson, you will work with circles specifically chords, arcs, and angles and its real-life
application. These knowledge and skills will help you understand circles. As you go through this
lesson, think of this important question: “How do the relationships among chords, arcs, and central
angles of a circle facilitate finding solutions to real-life problems and making decisions?”
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Derive inductively the relations among chords, arcs, central angles, and inscribed angles.
2. Prove theorems related to chords, arcs, central angles, and inscribed angles.
3. Solve problems involving chords, arcs, central angles, and inscribed angles.
RECALL: Let’s recall the different basic geometric symbols.

Arc = ⌒ Angle = ∠ Segment =

Ray =→∨← Line = ↔
 INTRODUCTION TO CIRCLE
TERMS INVOLVING DESCRIPTIONS
CIRCLES
Any line segment connecting the center of the circle to any point
1. Radius
on the circle.
The chord of a circle which passes through the center of the
2. Diameter
circle
3. Chord A line segment joining any two points on the circle.
4. Semicircle A half of a circle or of its circumference.
It is associated with less than half of a rotation, so minor arcs are
5. Minor Arc
associated with angles less than 180°.
It is associated with more than half of a rotation, so major arcs
6. Major Arc
are associated with angles greater than 180°.
7. Central Angle Any angle whose vertex is located at the center of a circle.
An angle formed by two chords in a circle which have a
8. Inscribed Angle
common endpoint.
9. Secant A line that passes through the circle at exactly two points.
A line that passes through the circle at exactly one point and it is
10. Tangent
perpendicular to the radius.