POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

and THEIR GRAPHS

for Mathematics Grade 10

Quarter 2 / Week 1
 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit will serve as your guide in

illustrating polynomial functions. It will be your aid as you
learn new ideas on illustrating polynomial functions as it
may be used to model and solve real-life problems
involving polynomial functions.

This kit includes the following salient features:

I. What Happened In this part students will

demonstrate what knowledge they previously acquired in
polynomials.

II. What You Need To Know This is the discussion

part wherein the explanation of the learning
competencies and presentation of examples involving
polynomial function takes place in describing and
interpreting graphs of polynomial functions.

III. What Have I Learned This part provides student

the opportunity to evaluate their understanding in
illustrating polynomial functions, describing and
interpreting graphs of polynomial functions.

2
 LESSON
1 ILLUSTRATING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

OBJECTIVES:
K: States whether the given expression is a polynomial
function or not.
S: Illustrates a polynomial function.
A: Appreciates the importance of polynomial functions
in real-life situations.

LEARNING COMPETENCY:
Illustrate polynomial functions. M10AL-IIa-1

I. WHAT HAPPENED
PRE-ACTIVITY : REMEMBER ME

Instructions: Determine whether each of the following is a polynomial or not.

Write P if it is a polynomial and NP if it is not a polynomial. Write your answers
in your activity notebook.

1. -3x2 -4x +1 6. 23x2 +14xy + 7y2

2. 7x4 + 2x + ¾ 7.

3. x¼ + 3x = 7 8. 12x3 + ½ x4

4. 3
3x - 4 +x 9. 5x3y4 -8xy2z5

5. 4x-5 +2x -6 10. ¼ x5 – 2x +

3
II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DISCUSSION:
II. WHAT TO LEARN
A polynomial function is an equation with multiple terms that has
variables and exponents and expressed in the form of a polynomial. A
polynomial function can be expressed just like any other functions
using like f(x) , y, or P(x) written on the left side of an equation. A
polynomial function has only positive integers as exponents. The
highest power of the variable P(x) is known as its degree.
A polynomial function is a function of the form
P(x) = an xn + an-1 xn-1 + an-2 xn-2 + ... + a1 x1 + a0, an ≠ 0, where n is a
non-negative integer a0, a1, ... an are real number called coefficients,
an xn is the leading term, an is the leading coefficient and a0 is the
constant term.
P(x) = 5x3 – 7x + 6 is a polynomial function in one variable because
their exponents are all positive integers where the leading coefficient is
5,degree is 3 and constant is 6. But expressions like

Not a polynomial function because…

y= x¼ + 3x = 7 It has a fractional exponent

3
f(x)= 3x - 4 + 2x Variable inside a radical sign

y= 4x-5 +2x -6 Has a negative exponent

- +3 Denominator has a variable

4
The terms of a polynomial function maybe written in any order. However , if it is
written in decreasing powers of x, we say the polynomial function is in standard
form. Polynomials may also be written in factored form and as a product of
irreducible factors, that is ,a factor that can no longer be factored using
coefficients that are real numbers.
1

Example:
1. Write P(x) = 2x3 – x2 + 14x - 56 + x4 , in standard and factored
form.
Solution:
a. To change to standard form arrange the terms in descending
powers of x.
P(x) = x4 + 2x3 – x2 + 14x - 56 (answer)
b. Use factoring by grouping to transform standard to factored form
Find one factor , (x -2 ) (x3 + 4x2 + 7x + 28)
Then , factor out (x3 + 4x2 + 7x + 28) by finding one factor.
(x - 2 ) (x + 4 ) ( x2 + 7 )
P(x) = (x-2) (x + 4) ( x2 + 7 ) is the factored form of
P(x) = x4 + 2x3 – x2 + 14x - 56 .

The most common type of polynomial functions are :

• Constant Polynomial Function : P(x) = a = ax0 .
Degree = 0

• Linear Polynomial Function : P(x)= ax + b,

Degree = 1
• Quadratic Polynomial Function: P(x)=ax2 + bx +c

Degree = 2
• Cubic Polynomial Function : P(x)=ax3+bx2+cx +d ,
Degree = 3

• Quartic Polynomial Function: P(x)=ax4+bx3+cx2+dx+ e

Degree = 4

The details of these polynomial functions along with their graphs are
explained in the next self-learning kit.
Source:byjus.com/maths/polynomial-function/

5
Polynomial Functions-Real World Applications:

How will you make an open box?

How do you determine the volume capable from the open box?
Let us solve the following problem to answer the given question.

A paper company plans to make boxes without cover from sheets of

cardboard 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The company will cut out four
squares of the side x cm from the corners of the sheet and fold up the
edges as shown in the figure. Express the volume of the rectangular box in
terms of x.

If you recall the formula of a volume of rectangular box is

Volume = (Length) (Width) (Height).

Given : L = (30-2x) ; W = (20-2x ) ; H= ( x)

Solution :
V(x) = ( L ) ( W ) ( H)
V(x) = (30-2x) (20 - 2x ) (x) Substitute the values

V(x) = (600-60x-40x+4x2) (x) Foil Method

V(x) = (600 – 100x + 4x2 ) ( x) Add like terms
V(x) = 600x-100x2 + 4x3 Apply the distributive property

V(x) = 4x3 -100x2 + 600x arrange in standard form.

The function V(x) = 4x3 -100x2 + 600x is a polynomial function representing

the volume of the box.

6
 III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

I. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Instructions: Below the blank puzzle grid is a list of words. Place the words in
the correct place on the grid. Copy the puzzle and write your answers in your
activity notebook.

ACROSS DOWN
2 A polynomial function whose degree is three 1 A first degree
polynomial functions
5 Is a function represented as P(x) where the degree are non- 3 A polynomial
negative integers function whose
degree is zero

7 When the terms in a polynomial function are arrange from 4 A second degree
highest to lowest degree polynomial function
9 In the expression P(x) = an xn + an-1 xn-1 + an-2 xn-2 + ... + a1 x1 + a0, 6 Refers to numbers or
an ≠ 0, where n is a non-negative integer a0, a1, ... an are real symbols without
number called coefficients, an x is the ___________ term.
n variables

10 A polynomial function whose degree is four 8 Refers to the

highest exponent

7
II.POST-TEST:
I. Multiple Choice :
Directions: Choose the best answer. Write the letters in your activity notebook.

1. Which of the following is an example of a polynomial function?

A. f(x) = + 2x – 3 C. f(x) = - x

B. f(x)= x-2 D. f(x) = + -3

2. What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial function

f(x)=5x2 +3x5 + 7x - 2 ?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

3. How should the polynomial function f(x) =11x + 6x2 + x3 + 6 be

written in standard form ?

A. f(x) = 6x2 +11x + x3 + 6 C. f(x)= 6+11x +6x2 + x3

B. f(x)= x3 + 6x2 + 11x + 6 D. f(x) =6 + x3 +6x2 + 11x

4. What is the degree of f(x) = x (x + 3) (x+ 2) ?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

5. What is the value of the constant term of the polynomial function

P(x) = 2x4 – 13x3 + 30x2 -28x + 8 ?

A. 2 B. 8 C. -13 D. 30

8
6. P(x) = an xn + an-1 xn-1 + an-2 xn-2 + ... + a1 x1 + a0, an ≠ 0 , where n is ____.

A. n is an integer greater than or equal to zero and the coefficient

are real numbers.

B. n is an integers and the coefficient are real nos.

C. n is any real number and coefficient are all positive real

numbers.

D. n is any real number and coefficient are all negative real

numbers

7. Which of the following is NOT a polynomial functions?

A. f(x) = 2x3 - 3x2+x-4 C. f (x) = x-3 +2x2 -7

B. f(x) = (x-5)(9x+1)2(x-4) D. f(x) = 2x4+x5 – 3

8. What do you call the coefficient of the leading term of P(x)?

A. degree B. leading coefficient C. X D. constant

9. What is the degree of the polynomial function f(x)= x4 - x3 - 3x2 -3x -18 ?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

10. A shopkeeper determines that its profit, P, in pesos , can be modeled

by the function P(x) = 6x2 – 7x – 5 , where x represents the number of
shirts sold. What is the profit at x = 150 ?

A. Php 136,055 C. Php 2855

B. Php 133,945 D. Php 1800

9
 REFERENCES
Books

Callanta Melvin M., et.al. K to 12 Mathematics

10 Learner’s Manual. Department of
Education, Philippines: REX Book Store,
2015.

Oronce, O., and Mendoza, M. E-math

IV.Quezon City, Philippines: Rex
Book Store, Inc., 2010.

Websites

https://xaktly.com.MathPolynomial Functions
byjus.com/Maths/polynomial-function/

10
 SYNOPSIS

As a learner, you once asked 10.B 5.B

yourself, “Where on earth have 9.D 4.C
I ever used polynomial functions?”
8.B 3.B
7.C 2.C
6.A 1.B
As a result of studying this topic, III.POST TEST
you will be able to define and
illustrate polynomial functions. You
have identified the terms, leading
coefficient , degree and constant.
You also transformed polynomial
functions into standard or factored
form and model a polynomial
functions. This will give you an idea
of the usefulness and importance of
polynomial functions in business II.CROSSWORD PUZZLE
and the real world. 5.NP 10.P
4.NP 9.P

So, explore this self-learning kit and

3.NP 8.P
2.P 7.P
apply the relevant mathematical 1.P 6.P
concepts in both theoretical and
practical contexts. I.PRE-TEST:

ANSWER KEY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maricel T. Tropezado is a secondary mathematics

teacher III at Negros Oriental High School. She
obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary
Education major in Mathematics and Master of Arts
in Education major in Mathematics at Foundation
University. She was one of the Parallel Session
Presenter in the 2019 BE-MTS International Research
Conference at St.Paul University. She was also one of
the writers of Mathematics Contextualized Teaching-
Learning Materials (Grade 10 Phase IV).

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 LESSON
2 Graphs of Polynomial Functions

OBJECTIVES
K: Recalls the graphs of linear functions, quadratic functions,
and polynomial functions.
S: Describes and interprets the graphs of polynomial functions
A: Performs the activities with accuracy and perseverance.

LEARNING COMPETENCY:
Understand, Describe and Interpret the Graphs of Polynomial
Functions. M10ALIIa-1

I. WHAT HAPPENED

PRE-ACTIVITIES/PRE-TEST:
A. Identify whether the functions represented by the graphs
below are linear, quadratic, or polynomial.

1. 2. 3.
Y Y Y

X X
X

12
B. From the given graphs and equation, find the following:
degree, number of zeros, number of x-intercept and the
number of turning points.

Y
1.
Degree: ____________________
X
No. of zeros: ________________
No. of x-intercepts: ________
No. of turning points: _______

2. Degree: _____________________
No. of zeros: _________________
No. of x- intercepts: ____________
No. of turning points: __________

13
 II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

How was the activity? What new thing did you learn from
the activity?

You have learned that the graph of a first-degree

polynomial is a line and a second-degree polynomial is a
parabola. At this point, recall the very important steps that
are undertaken in the construction of a graph. The first step
you usually take is to prepare a table of values for x and y
that satisfy the given equation. These ordered pairs are points
that lie on the curve described by the equation. You then
plot the points described by the ordered pairs in the table.

DISCUSSION
In graphing a polynomial function, the technique of finding
and plotting as many points as possible will be helpful. But there are
theorems concerning roots of polynomial equations that will be of
great help to obtain the sketch of the graph of the polynomial
function.
The graph of a third-degree polynomials or a cubic
polynomial, has both maximum and minimum points. The number
of maximum and minimum points is at most one less than the
degree of the polynomial. The graph of a polynomial function of
degree n has n – 1 turning point.
When you graph higher degree polynomial functions, the
rational zero theorem and Rene Descartes’ rule can help you find
any integral zeros. If there are many possibilities to try, it is also useful
to know the upper bound and lower bound for the zeros. An upper
bound for the real zeros of a polynomial function is a number
greater than or equal to the greatest real zero of the function.

14
Similarly, a lower bound is a number less than or equal to the least
real zero of the function.

Upper and Lower Bound Theorem let a polynomial function be

divided by x – c.
• If c  0 and all the coefficients in the quotient and
remainder are nonnegative, then c is an upper bound of
the zeros.
• If c  0 and the coefficients in the quotient and remainder
alternate in sign, then c is a lower bound of the zeros.

Example:
Find the upper and lower bounds of the zeros of P(x) = 2x4 + 5x3 -
3x2 - 9x + 1.
Solution:
It is important to emphasize that c is not restricted to
integers. It can be any real number. however, integers are used
in illustrative examples for convenience in the computation.
Test c = 1 for upper bound

The third entries are not all positive. So, 1 is not an upper bound.
Test c = 2

15
 The third entries are all positive, so 2 is an upper bound.
Test c = 3

The numbers 3, 4, 5, … are upper bounds. The number 2 is said

to be the smallest integral upper bound. This means that there is
no zero of P(x) larger than 2.
Test c = -3

The third entries are alternating in signs, so -3 is a lower bound.

If the test for c = -4, -5, -6, … are made, the third entries are
alternating. The numbers -4, -5, -6, … are lower bounds. The
number -3 is said to be the largest lower bound. This means that
there is no zero of P(x) smaller than -3.

Graph of Odd-degree Polynomials

The extreme left and right parts of the graph of p( x ) = a n xn
+ an-1 xn-1 + … + a2 x2 + a1 x + a0 are:
1. increasing; if n is odd and an  0.
2. decreasing; if n is odd an  0.
The domain and range are the set of real numbers

16
 Y
Y
f(x) g(x)

X
X

f(x) is a polynomial where n = 3 and an  0

g(x) is a polynomial where n = 5 and an  0
Graph of Even-degree Polynomials
The graph of p( x ) = an xn + an-1 xn-1 + … + a2 x2 + a1 x +
a0 has
1. decreasing extreme left and increasing extreme right parts, n is
even and an  0.
2. increasing extreme left and decreasing extreme right parts, n is
even and an  0.
The domain is the set of real numbers and the range is the set
of nonnegaive numbers.

Y
Y
F(x) G(x)

X X

F(x) is a polynomial where n = 2 and an  0

G(x) is a polynomial where n = 4 and an  0.

To graph polynomial functions of degree greater than two,

evaluate the function to determine ordered pairs, then plot the
points with this pairs as coordinates and connect the points to

17
form a smooth curve. The x-coordinates of the points where the
graph meets the x-axis are the zeros of the function.
The information you can get from the given equation of a
polynomial function are the degree and the number of zeros.
From the graph, you can determine the number of x-intercepts, y-
intercept, and number of turning points. The theorems discussed in
the previous lesson concerning the roots of polynomial equations
will be of great help to obtain the sketch of the graph of the
polynomial function.
Example:

1. G( x ) = x3 - x2 - x + 1
a. Determine the behavior of the graph
b. Get the zeros and the y-intercept of the function.
c. Sketch the graph
d. Determine the interval where G( x )  0.
Solution:
a. The degree of the function is 3 which is an odd, it is an
odd-powered function behaving like a line that starts to
the right. Since, the leading coefficient is positive. It is
increasing.
b. Using synthetic division

x2 - 1 = 0
(x + 1) (x – 1) = 0
x+1 = 0 x–1 = 0
x = -1 x = 1
The zeros of the function are -1, 1 and 1 or (-1 and 1 with a
multiplicity of 2 )
18
 c.

d. The function G( x )  0 when x  -1

e. The graph is tangent to the x-axis at 1, since 1 is a zero of
even multiplicity that is 2.
2. F( x ) = x4 + 2x3 - 5x2 - 6x
a. Determine the behavior of the graph
b. Get the zeros and the y-intercept of the function.
c. Sketch the graph
d. Determine the interval where G(x )  0
Solution:
a. The degree of the function is 4 which is an even, it is an
even-powered function behaving like a parabola opening
upward.
Extreme bounds:
-4 1 2 -5 -6 0
-4 8 -12 72
1 -2 3 -18 72
-4 is the largest lower bound.
2 1 2 -5 -6 0
2 8 6 0
1 4 3 0 0
2 is the smallest integral upper bound and a zero.

19
 b. Location of zeros
x -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2
F(x) 72 0 -8 0 0 -8 0
The table reveals the following information:
1. The zeros of F( x ) are -3, -1, 0 and 2.
2. y-intercept is 0.

c. Sketch of the graph.

Y

-4
X -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Since n = 4, the function F( x ) has three turning points.

. Since n = 4 and an = 1, the extreme left part is decreasing,
and the extreme right part is increasing. The function F(x) 
0 when x  -3, when -1  x  0 or x  2.

Let’s summarize
To graph polynomial function of degree greater than two,
evaluate the function to determine ordered pairs, then plot the
points with this pairs as coordinates and connect the points to
form a smooth curve. The x-coordinates of the points where the
graph meets the x-axis are the zeros of the function. The
information you can get from the given equation of a polynomial
function are the degree and the number of zeros. From the graph,
you can determine the number of x-intercepts, y-intercept and
number of turning points.

20
Summary of the characteristics of the graph of polynomial
function:

an n Properties of the graph Illustration

+ Even Rises in both directions. Figure 1
+ Odd Falls to the left, rises to the right. Figure 2
- Even Falls in both directions. Figure 3
- Odd Rises to the left, falls to the right Figure 4

Figure 1 Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 4

21
 III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

Investigate:
Given the table below, supply the missing information based on the cases
given.

Polynomial Function Leading Degree: Behavior of Possible

Coefficient: the Graph: Sketch
Even or
n>0 or Odd Rising or
Falling
n<0
Left Right
hand hand

1. y = 2x3 – 7x2 – 7x + 12

2. y = -x5 + 3x4 + x3 – 7x2 + 4

3. y = x4 - 7x2 + 6x

4. y = -x4 + 2x3 + 13x2 - 14x -

24

Case 1

The graph below is defined by y = 2x3 – 7x2 – 7x + 12 or, in factored form,

y = (2x + 3) (x – 1) (x – 4)

a. Is the leading coefficient a positive or negative number?

b. Is the polynomial of even degree or odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?
y

22
Case 2

The graph below is defined by y = -x5 + 3x4 + x3 – 7x2 + 4 or, in factored form,

y = - (x + 1)2 (x – 1) (x – 2)2
a. Is the leading coefficient a positive or negative number?
b. Is the polynomial of even degree or odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

Case 3

The graph below is defined by y = x4 - 7x2 + 6x or, in factored form,

y = x(x + 3) (x – 1) (x – 2)

a. Is the leading coefficient a positive or negative number?

b. Is the polynomial of even degree or odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

23
Case 4
The graph below is defined by y = -x4 + 2x3 + 13x2 - 14x - 24 or, in factored
form,
y = -(x + 3)(x + 1)(x – 2)(x – 4)

a. Is the leading coefficient a positive or negative number?

b. Is the polynomial of even degree or odd degree?
c. Observe the end behaviors of the graph on both sides. Is it rising or
falling to the left or to the right?

EVALUATION/POST TEST:
1. If you will be asked to choose from -2, 2, 3, and 4, what
values for a and n will you consider so that y = ax 2 could
define the graph below ?
A. a = 2, n = 3
B. a = 3, n = 2
C. a = -2, n = 4
D. a = -2, n = 3

2. Which of the following could be the graph of the

polynomial function y = x3 – 4x2 + 3x -12?

24
3. You are asked to sketch the graph of f(x) = x3 – 3x5 + 4 using
its properties. Which will be your sketch?

4. What are the end behaviors of the graph of f(x) = -2x + x3 +

3x5 – 4?
a. rises to the left and falls to the right
b. falls to the left and rises to the right
c. rises to both directions
d. falls to both directions

5. From the choices, which polynomial function in factored

form represents the given graph?
a. y = (x + 2) (x + 1) (x – 1)
b. y = (x + 1) (x – 1) (x – 2)
c. y = x (x + 2) (x + 1) (x – 1)
d. y = x (x + 1) (x – 1) (x – 2)

25
 REFERENCES

Books:

Callanta Melvin M., et.al. K to 12 Mathematics

10 Learner’s Manual. Department of
Education, Philippines: REX Book
Store, 2015.

Callanta Melvin M., et.al. K to 12 Mathematics

10 Learner’s Manual. Department of
Education, Philippines: REX Book
Store, 2015.

Ease Modules Year 2, Module 3: Polynomial

Functions.

26
 SYNOPSIS

This Self Learning Kit focused on the

learning competency understanding,
describing and interpreting the graphs
of polynomial functions.

The students are expected to recall

the graph of a linear function, quadratic
function and polynomial function,
understands, describe and interpret the
graph of polynomial functions and
perform the activities with accuracy and
perseverance.

Have fun and enjoy as you learn

understanding, describing and
interpreting the graphs of polynomial
functions while doing the activities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

MA. REALENE SIGLOS BALDADO. Finished her
Bachelor in Secondary Education major in
Mathematics in Central Visayas Polytechnic
College now (NORSU) in 1998. Currently teaching
at San Jose Provincial High School, San Jose
District, Division of Negros Oriental, handling
Mathematics Grade 10 and a School and District
Math Coordinator, School Personnel In-Charge,
School Testing Coordinator and member of the
School Selection Team.

27
 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, EdD, PhD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

NILITA L. RAGAY, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
Education Program Supervisor – (SCIENCE & MATH)

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

MARICEL T. TROPEZADO
MA. REALENE S. BALDADO
Writers

FRANCEL MARIE T. TROPEZADO

MA. REALENE S. BALDADO
Illustrators
KEENJI L. ARMENTANO
Lay-out Artist
_____________________________
ALPHA QA TEAM
CLAUDETH S, MERCADO
JAMES D. RODRIGUEZ
JEROME Y. SILORIO

BETA QA TEAM
NIDA BARBARA S. SUASIN
CLAUDETH S, MERCADO
MARICEL T. TROPEZADO

DISCLAIMER
The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide accessible learning
modality to the teachers and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The content of this module is carefully researched,
chosen and evaluated to comply with the set learning competencies. The writers and evaluator were clearly instructed to
give credits to information and illustrations used to substantiate this material. All content is subject to copyright and may
not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent from the division.

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