Polynomials and

Polynomial Functions

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Sec 6.3 - 1
Polynomial Functions

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Sec 6.3 - 2
 Polynomial Functions
Objectives

1. Recognize and evaluate polynomial functions.

2. Add and subtract polynomial functions.
3. Graph basic polynomial functions.

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 Polynomial Functions

Definition of a Polynomial Function

Polynomial Function

A polynomial function of degree n is defined by

f (x) = an xn + an – 1 xn – 1 + · · · + a1 x + a0 ,
for real numbers an,an – 1, . . . , a1, and a0 , where an ≠ 0 and n is a whole
number.

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 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 1 Evaluating Polynomial Functions

Let f(x) = 4x3 – 5x2 + 7. Find each value.

(a) f(2)

f(x) = 4x3 – 5x2 + 7

f(2) = 4(23) – 5(22) + 7

= 4(8) – 5(4) + 7
= 32 – 20 + 7

= 19

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 6.3 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 1 Evaluating Polynomial Functions

Let f(x) = 4x3 – 5x2 + 7. Find each value.

(b) f(–3)

f(x) = 4x3 – 5x2 + 7

f(–3) = 4(–3)3 – 5(–3)2 + 7

= 4(–27) – 5(9) + 7
= –108 – 45 + 7

= –146

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 6.3 Polynomial Functions

Functions

While f is the most common letter used to represent functions, recall that
other letters such as g and h are also used. The capital letter P is often used
for polynomial functions.

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 Polynomial Functions

Adding and Subtracting Functions

Adding and Subtracting Functions

If f(x) and g(x) define functions, then

(f + g) (x) = f (x) + g(x) Sum function

and (f – g) (x) = f (x) – g(x). Difference function

In each case, the domain of the new function is the intersection of the
domains of f(x) and g(x).

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 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 2 Adding and Subtracting Functions

For the polynomial functions defined by

f(x) = 2x2 – 3x + 4 and g(x) = x2 + 9x – 5,
find (a) the sum and (b) the difference.
(a) (f + g) (x) = f (x) + g(x) Use the definition.

= (2x2 – 3x + 4) + (x2 + 9x – 5) Substitute.

= 2x2 + x2 – 3x + 9x + 4 – 5 Combine like terms
= 3x2 + 6x – 1 Add the polynomials.
(b) (f – g) (x) = f (x) – g(x) Use the definition.
= (2x2 – 3x + 4) – (x2 + 9x – 5) Substitute.
= (2x2 – 3x + 4) + (–x2 – 9x + 5) Change “-” to “+”
= 2x2 – x2 – 3x – 9x + 4 + 5 Combine like terms
= x2 – 12x + 9 Add
 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 3 Adding and Subtracting Functions

For the polynomial functions defined by

f(x) = 4x2 – x and g(x) = 3x,
find each of the following.
(a) (f + g) (5)
(f + g) (5) = f (5) + g(5) Use the definition.

= [4(5)2 – 5] + 3(5) Substitute.

= [4(25) – 5] + 15 Simplify.
= [100 – 5] + 15

= 110

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 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 4 Adding and Subtracting Functions

For the polynomial functions defined by

f(x) = 4x2 – x and g(x) = 3x,
find each of the following.
(a) (f + g) (5)

Alternatively, we could first find (f + g) (x).

(f + g) (x) = f (x) + g(x) Use the definition.

= (4x2 – x) + 3x Substitute.

= 4x2 + 2x
Then,
(f + g) (5) = 4(5)2 + 2(5) = 110. The result is the same.

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 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 5 Adding and Subtracting Functions

For the polynomial functions defined by

f(x) = 4x2 – x and g(x) = 3x,
find each of the following.
(b) (f – g) (x) and (f – g) (3)
(f – g) (x) = f (x) – g(x) Use the definition.

= (4x2 – x) – 3x Substitute.

= 4x2 – 4x Combine like terms.

Then,
(f – g) (3) = 4(3)2 – 4(3) = 24. Substitute.

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 Polynomial Functions

Basic Polynomial Functions

The simplest polynomial function is the identity function, defined by f(x) = x.

y

x f(x) = x
–2 –2
–1 –1
0 0 x

1 1
2 2

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 Polynomial Functions

Basic Polynomial Functions

The squaring function, is defined by f(x) = x2.

y

x f(x) = x2
–2 4
–1 1
0 0 x

1 1
2 4

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 Polynomial Functions

Basic Polynomial Functions

The cubing function, is defined by f(x) = x3.

y

x f(x) = x3
–2 –8
–1 –1
0 0 x

1 1
2 8

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 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 5 Graphing Variations of the Identity Function

Graph the function by creating a table of ordered pairs. Give the domain and
the range of the function by observing the graph.
(a) f(x) = –2x. y

Range
x f(x) = –2x
–2 4
–1 2
Domain x
0 0
1 –2
2 –4

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 6.3 Polynomial Functions

EXAMPLE 6 Graphing Variations of the Identity Function

Graph the function by creating a table of ordered pairs. Give the domain and
the range of the function by observing the graph.
y
(b) f(x) = x2 – 2.
Range
x f(x) = x – 2 2

–2 2
–1 –1
Domain x
0 –2
1 –1
2 2

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