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Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs
Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs
Objectives
• Identify polynomial functions
• Recognize characteristics of graphs of polynomial
functions
• Determine end behavior
• Use factoring to find zeros of polynomial functions
• Identify zeros and their multiplicities
• Use the Intermediate Value Theorem
• Understand the relationship between degree and
turning points
• Graph polynomial functions
Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function has all of its variables with
exponents which are positive integers. It is not a
polynomial function if a variable has a negative
exponent or if the exponent is a fraction.
Which of the following are polynomial functions?
no
no
yes
yes
The Degree of a Function
What is the degree of the following functions?
The Leading Coefficient
The polynomial function has a leading coefficient.
Once the function is written in descending order of
degree, the leading coefficient is the coefficient of the
term with the highest degree.
Find the leading coefficient and degree of each polynomial
function.
f (x) 2 x5 3x3 5x 1
f (x) x3 6 x2 x 7
Basic Features of Graphs of
Polynomial Functions.
• A graph of a polynomial function is
continuous. This means that the graph of
a polynomial function has no breaks, holes
or gaps.
Basic Features of Graphs of
Polynomial Functions.
• A graph of a polynomial function has only
smooth, rounded turns. A polynomial
function cannot have a sharp turn.
Not a polynomial
function
Graphs of Polynomial Functions
NOT GRAPHS OF A POLYNOMIAL FUNCTION
END BEHAVIOR OF POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS
The behavior of the graph of a function to the far left and far
right is called its end behavior.
Example: f(x) = x²
If the leading coefficient is negative with an even
degree to its variable, the graph falls to the left and
falls to the right (, ).
Example: f(x) = − x²
If the leading coefficient is positive with an odd
degree to its variable, the graph falls to the left and
rises to the right (, ).
Example: f(x) = x³
If the leading coefficient is negative with an odd
degree to its variable, the graph rises to the left and
falls to the right (, ).
Example: f(x) = − x³
Using the Leading Coefficient Test
f(x) = x³ + 3x − x − 3
f(x) = − 2x³ + 3x − x − 3
3+1+1=5
Factor completely:
f (x) = x 4 – x3 – 2x2 = x2(x + 1)(x – 2).
y
The real zeros are x = –1, x = 0,
and x = 2. 2
(–1, 0) (0, 0)
These correspond to the x
x-intercepts. –2
(2, 0)
Check out the x-intercepts and the
multiplicities. What happens?
f (x) = x4 – x3 – 2x2
Multiplicities of Zeros
The multiplicity of a zero is the number of times the real
root of a polynomial function results in f(x) = 0.
x² (x − 2)² = 0
All of these zeros are to the multiplicity of one. What does the
graph do at these intercepts?
The graph passes through these intercepts.