UNIT 1 – POLYNOMIALS!!!

Introduction to Polynomial Functions

Chapter 1 – Polynomial Functions
● Up to now, you’ve studied two polynomial
1.1 – POWER FUNCTIONS functions in detail. Namely, these are the
WARM-UP:Which of the following functions are linear and quadratic polynomial functions.
polynomials? Justify your answer. ● Linear: y = ax + b
● Quadratic: y = ax2 + bx + c
a) b)

● How to Recognize a Polynomial Function:

● Exponents are whole numbers
c) d)
● May not be written in rational form unless the
denominator is a constant value
● Exponents must be constants, not variables

Definition: Polynomial Function Polynomial Functions

● Polynomial functions are functions that may EXAMPLE 1: Consider the function below.
be written in the form:

a) What is the constant term?

Where:
xεℜ
an to a0 are real numbers (an ≠ 0) b) What is the leading coefficient?
an is the leading coefficient
a0 is the constant term c) What is the degree of this function?
n is a whole number

The degree of the polynomial function is n , the

exponent of the greatest power of x
 Polynomial Functions Some Terminology…
EXAMPLE 1: Consider the function below. ● LINE SYMMETRY
A graph has line symmetry if there
is a vertical line x = a that divides
a) What is the constant term? the graph into two parts such that
each part is a reflection of the
other in the line x = a .
b) What is the leading coefficient?
● POINT SYMMETRY
c) What is the degree of this function? A graph has point symmetry about a
point (a, b) if each part of the graph
on one side of (a, b) can be rotated
Rearrange the equation first… 1800 to coincide with the part of the
graph on the other side of (a, b)

Definition: Power Functions Graphs of Power Functions

● A power function is a polynomial function of Consider the following power functions…
the form

where n is a whole number.

● Power functions are single-term polynomial

functions

● Power functions have similar characteristics

depending on whether their degree is even or
odd.
 Even-Degree Power Functions Odd-Degree Power Functions
Describe how the graphs of even-degree power functions Describe how the graphs of odd-degree power functions
are similar. are similar.
Consider the following: Consider the following:
Domain Domain
Range Range
Intercepts Intercepts
Symmetry Symmetry
End behaviour End behaviour

Conclusions Power Functions

EXAMPLE 1: Consider each graph below.
● Even-degree Power Functions a) b)
Domain: All real numbers
Range: Restricted (Depends on direction of opening)
Symmetry: Line symmetry in the y-axis, x = 0.
End Behaviour: Same end-behaviour

● Odd-degree Power Functions i) Does it represent a function of even-degree or

odd-degree? Explain.
Domain: All real numbers
ii) State the sign of the leading coefficient. Justify.
Range: All real numbers (continues in both directions)
iii) State the domain and range.
Symmetry: Point symmetry about the origin, (0, 0)
End Behaviour: Opposite end-behaviour iv) Identify any symmetry.
v) Describe the end behaviour.
 Power Functions Interval Notation
EXAMPLE 2: The features of a graph are often described in
Complete the table for the following functions. relation to real-number values.
Sets of real numbers may be described in one of
three ways…
Inequality
Interval Notation
End Behaviour Function Reasons .
Graphically (Number Line)
Extends from quadrant 3 to quadrant 1
NOTE: In interval notation…
Extends from quadrant 2 to quadrant 4
ROUND brackets indicate that the end value is NOT included
Extends from quadrant 2 to quadrant 1 in the interval
SQUARE brackets indicate that the end value IS included
Extends from quadrant 3 to quadrant 4 Round brackets are used for and since they are
not defined values. (Infinity means “without bound”)

Interval Notation HomeFUN!!! ☺

EXAMPLES:
Rewrite the following in interval notation
• Advanced Functions 12 Textbook!
• Pages 11 – 14
a)
# C3, C4, 1 – 5, 7, 12, 16ab
b)

c)

d) .

e)