Learning Guide Module

Subject Code Math 3 Mathematics 3

Module Code 4.0 Graphs of Polynomial and Rational Functions
Lesson Code 4.3 End Behavior of the Graph of Polynomial Function
Time Frame 30 minutes

After completing this learning guide, you should be able to

1. describe the end behavior of the graph of a polynomial function; and
2. identify the leading coefficient and degree of a polynomial function
given its graph

Behavior of function is not far from how we deal with our actions in life.
We have ups and downs. The journey either goes to the right way (good
outcome) or left way (bad outcome). Whichever decisions we make, we
always conclude that if we choose to think positive, we hope for the best
result and our life goes up and turns right. Otherwise, negative actions lead
to destruction and end up falling down.

In this section we will discuss the end behavior of the graph of a 10

polynomial function. MINUTES

The following graphs are parent functions of polynomial functions from degree 1 to 4.

Figure 1. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 Figure 2. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥

Figure 3. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 Figure 4. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2

Mathematics 3|Page 1 of 7
 Figure 5. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 Figure 6. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3

Figure 7. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 Figure 8. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 4

The graphs shown above follow similar trend as to the end behavior of the graphs of the
polynomial functions.

The following graphs have the same trend in the end behavior:

GRAPH END BEHAVIOR SIMILARITY

Rises to the right Both have positive leading coefficients
Figures 1 & 5
Falls to the left Both have odd degree
Rises to the left Both have negative leading coefficients
Figures 2& 6
Falls to the right Both have odd degree
Both have positive leading coefficients
Figures 3 & 7 Rises at both ends
Both have even degree
Both have negative leading coefficients
Figures 4 & 8 Falls at both ends
Both have even degree

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 TIP (The Important Point)
End Behavior of the graph of polynomial function
A polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎0 has the
following end behaviors:
• If 𝑎𝑛 is positive and 𝑛 is odd
o The graph rises to the right and falls to the left
• If 𝑎𝑛 is negative and 𝑛 is odd
o The graph rises to the left and falls to the right
• If 𝑎𝑛 is positive and 𝑛 is even
o The graph rises at both ends
• If 𝑎𝑛 is negative and 𝑛 is even
o The graph falls at both ends

Describe the end behavior of the polynomial functions in examples 1 and 2.

Example 1. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 1

Solution.
𝑎𝑛 = 2 (positive)
𝑛 = 3 (odd)

The graph has a similar end behavior with the parent function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
Thus, the end behavior of 𝑔(𝑥) rises to the right and it falls to the left.

Example 2. 𝑔(𝑥) = −5𝑥 3 + 𝑥 4 + 𝑥

Solution.
𝑎𝑛 = 1 (positive)
𝑛 = 4 (even)

The graph has a similar end behavior with the parent function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
Thus, the end behavior of 𝑔(𝑥) rises at both ends.

Example 3.
The graph of 𝑔(𝑥) is shown below. Describe the leading coefficient and degree of the
polynomial function.

Figure 6

Mathematics 3|Page 3 of 7
 Solution.
Rises to the right
Falls to the left
The graph has a similar end behavior with the parent function 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3
Thus, 𝑎𝑛 is negative and 𝑛 is odd.

Example 4.
The graph of 𝑔(𝑥) is shown below. Describe the leading coefficient and degree of
the polynomial function.

Figure 7

Solution.
Falls at both ends
The graph has a similar end behavior with the parent function 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2
Thus, 𝑎𝑛 is negative and 𝑛 is even.

Example 5. Finding a polynomial with specific graph

Which among the four functions in the choices has its graph shown in Figure 8?

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = −12𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2

b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 12𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 − 2)
c) 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2
d) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 − 2)2

Figure 8: [x:y=1:1]
Solution.
The graph has the same end behaviour with a parent graph 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3 .
The leading coefficient 𝑎𝑛 is negative and the degree is odd. In this case, options
(b) and (d) are eliminated from the choices.

Applying the theorem on multiplicity, −1 has odd multiplicity while 0 and 2 have
even multiplicities. This theorem was met by options (a) and (c).
The graph passes through (1, −1). If we substitute 𝑥 = 1, we obtain:
(a) 𝑓(1) = −12(1)2 (1 + 1)(1 − 2)2 = −12(1)(2)(1) = −1
(b) 𝑓(1) = −𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2 == −(1)(2)(1) = −2

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = −12𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2 has the graph in Figure 8.

Mathematics 3|Page 4 of 7
Real Life Application.

The roller coaster ride has two options for entrance (A) and exit (B) as shown below. Which among
these ride adventures is similar to the path function 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6?

1 2 3 4

Answer the following problems below. Do It Yourself

Believe in yourself that you can do it. 15
MINUTES

Note: Items marked with an asterisk (*) are graded

Describe the end behavior of the following polynomial functions:

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = −3𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 *2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 4 + 𝑥 2 − 6

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 5 + 3𝑥 − 4 *4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 − 2𝑥 4 − 2𝑥

Describe the leading coefficient and degree of the polynomial functions:

5. *6.

𝑎𝑛 : __________ 𝑎𝑛 : __________
𝑛: ___________ 𝑛: ___________

Mathematics 3|Page 5 of 7
 Match each graph to the following functions:

7. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) __________

*8. 𝑓(𝑥) = −(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 − 1) __________
9. 𝑓(𝑥) = −(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑥 + 1)2 __________
*10. 𝑓(𝑥) = −(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)2 __________

A B C D
Answer to Real Life Application: 3

Before this lesson ends, Keep Note of these Outstanding Thoughts:

A polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎0 has the following

end behaviors:
• If 𝑎𝑛 is positive and 𝑛 is odd
o The graph rises to the right and falls to the left
• If 𝑎𝑛 is negative and 𝑛 is odd
o The graph rises to the left and falls to the right
• If 𝑎𝑛 is positive and 𝑛 is even
o The graph rises at both ends
• If 𝑎𝑛 is negative and 𝑛 is even
o The graph falls at both ends

ℳ∆Ti∫ ℳ∆Ti∫ ℳ∆TI ∫ ℳ∆Ti∫ ℳ∆Ti∫ ℳ∆Ti∫

References:

[1] Albarico, J.M. (2013). THINK Framework. (Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.)
Science LINKS. Rex Bookstore, Inc.)
[2] International Geogebra Institute. (2020). GeoGebra. https://www.geogebra.org/
[3] Swokowski, E., & Cole, J. (2008). Algebra and Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry, 12 th
Edition. Thomson Learning, Inc.

Prepared by: Jonellyn S. Albano Reviewed by: Arlene Cahoy - Agosto

Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) V Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) V
Campus: PSHS – IRC Campus: PSHS – CvisC

Mathematics 3|Page 6 of 7
ANSWER KEY:

1. Rises to the left and falls to the right

3. Rises to the right and falls to the left
5. 𝑎𝑛 is negative, 𝑛 is even
7. A
9. D

Mathematics 3|Page 7 of 7
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