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Graphs of Polynomial
Functions
A polynomial function is a function of the form
f ( x) an x n an 1 x n1 a1 x a0
where n is a nonnegative integer and each ai (i = 0, , n)
is a real number. The polynomial function has a leading
coefficient an and degree n.
Examples: Find the leading coefficient and degree of each
polynomial function.
x x x
x
x
y = x4
f (x) = – (x + 2)4 y = – x4
x x
an negative
n odd n even
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Example: Describe the right-hand and left-hand behavior
for the graph of f(x) = –2x3 + 5x2 – x + 1.
Degree 3 Odd