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x4 - 3.2 - Polynomial Functions - 1113

The document provides an overview of polynomial functions, including their definitions, characteristics, and graphs. It discusses end behavior, zeros, and multiplicity of polynomials, as well as the Intermediate Value Theorem. Additionally, it includes examples and strategies for graphing polynomial functions.

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ronaldrugar
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16 views6 pages

x4 - 3.2 - Polynomial Functions - 1113

The document provides an overview of polynomial functions, including their definitions, characteristics, and graphs. It discusses end behavior, zeros, and multiplicity of polynomials, as well as the Intermediate Value Theorem. Additionally, it includes examples and strategies for graphing polynomial functions.

Uploaded by

ronaldrugar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

Page 1 of 6

3.2 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs


Definition of a Polynomial:
To be a polynomial, the function must have only nonnegative integer exponents.

Example Is it a polynomial? Why or why Degree? Leading


not? coefficient?

𝟒𝒙𝟔 − 𝟓𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝟏
𝟑𝒙𝟑 + 𝒙𝟗 − 𝟏𝟐

𝒙𝟏.𝟓
𝟏𝟐
−𝟕
𝒙
𝟐𝒚−𝟐 + 𝟕
𝟏
𝟑. 𝟓𝒙𝒚𝟐 − √𝟕𝒚 +
𝟐
3
Graphs of Polynomials:
Polynomial functions of degree 2 or higher have graphs that are smooth and continuous.
By smooth, we mean that the graphs contain only rounded curves with no sharp corners.
By continuous, we mean that the graphs have no breaks and can be drawn without lifting your
pencil from the rectangular coordinate system.
Examples:
Which of the following graphs could be graphs of polynomial functions?
Page 2 of 6

End Behavior of Polynomials:


The end behavior of the graph of a function to the far left or the far right is called its end behavior.
The sign of the leading coefficient, an, and the degree, n, of the polynomial function reveal its
end behavior.
First look at the sign of the leading coefficient.
If it is positive the function rises to right.
If it is negative, the function falls to the right.
Then look at the degree of the polynomial.
If the DEGREE is even, the end behavior is the same right and left.
If the DEGREE is odd, the end behavior is opposite right and left.
Examples:
Determine the degree of each polynomial and the end behavior of the graphs of the following
polynomial functions.
1. 3𝑥 7 − 4𝑥 4 + 8

2. −2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 + 1

3. −6𝑥(𝑥 + 1)3 (𝑥 − 9)5

Zeros of Polynomial Functions:


 If f is a polynomial function, then the values of x for which f(x) is equal to 0 are called the zeros of f.
 These values of x are the roots, or solutions, of the polynomial equation f(x) = 0.
 Each real root of the polynomial equation appears as an x-intercept of the graph of the polynomial
function.

Examples:
Find the zeros of the following polynomials. You must show your work. Use your graphing calculator to
check your answers.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 12

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 18

3. 𝑔(𝑡) = 5(𝑡 − 7)3 (𝑡 + 5)

Multiplicity:
The multiplicity of a zero is the number of times that zero appears in the given function.
If r is a zero of even multiplicity, then the graph touches the x-axis and turns around at r.
If r is a zero of odd multiplicity, then the graph crosses the x-axis at r.
Page 3 of 6

Example 1:
For 𝑓(𝑥) = 3(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 2)2
a. Find the degree of the polynomial.

b. State the end behavior of the graph.

c. Find the zeros of the function and give the multiplicity for each zero. State whether the graph touches or
crosses the x-axis for each zero.

Example 2:
For 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 36
a. Find the degree of the polynomial.

b. State the end behavior of the graph.

c. Find the x-intercepts. State whether the graph touches or crosses the x-axis for each zero.

d. Determine whether the graph has y-axis symmetry, origin symmetry, or niether.

Intermediate Value Theorem:


Let f be a polynomial function with real coefficients. If f(a) and f(b)
have opposite signs, then there is at least one value of c between a
and b for which f(c) = 0. Equivalently, the equation f(x) = 0 has at
least one real root between a and b.

Translation: If you have a polynomial that is positive or one value


of x and negative for another value of x, somewhere in between
you must go through zero. NOTE: this is not true for all functions,
but since polynomials don’t jump, you can’t get from positive to
negative (or vice versa) without going through zero.

Example:
Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to show that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 2 has a zero between 0 and 1.
Then use your calculator to estimate the zero to 2 decimal places of accuracy.
Page 4 of 6

A Strategy for Graphing Polynomials:

Check using your graphing calculator.

Examples:
For the given functions:
a. State the degree of the polynomial.
b. Determine the end behavior.
c. Find the x-intercepts, state the multiplicity and state whether the graph touches or crosses the x-axis at
each intercept.
d. Find the y-intercept.
e. Determine if the function is even, odd, or neither.
(Perhaps use graphing calc to determine symmetry?)
f. Sketch a graph of the function.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 2
a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.
Page 5 of 6

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)2


a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

1
3. Graph 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 1)3 (𝑥 − 4)
Page 6 of 6

4. Graph 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2

Write an equation, expressed as the product of factors, of


a polynomial function that might represent the graph
shown. Use a leading coefficient of 1 to −1, and make the
degree of f as small as possible.

Write an equation to match the graph below. Use a leading coefficient of 1 or -1 and make the degree as
small as possible.

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