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Lecture Math

This lecture covers polynomial functions, defined as mathematical expressions involving sums of powers of variables multiplied by coefficients. Key concepts include the degree of a polynomial, leading coefficient, and types of polynomials based on degree and number of terms. The behavior of polynomial graphs is also discussed, focusing on end behavior and finding zeros.

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Amiel Joseph Gabuyo
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5 views3 pages

Lecture Math

This lecture covers polynomial functions, defined as mathematical expressions involving sums of powers of variables multiplied by coefficients. Key concepts include the degree of a polynomial, leading coefficient, and types of polynomials based on degree and number of terms. The behavior of polynomial graphs is also discussed, focusing on end behavior and finding zeros.

Uploaded by

Amiel Joseph Gabuyo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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📚 Lecture: Understanding Polynomial Functions

🟡 1. What is a Polynomial?
Good day, everyone!

Today, we’re going to explore an important concept in algebra and calculus: Polynomial
Functions.

A polynomial is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables


multiplied by coefficients.

For example:

f(x)=3x3−2x2+5x−7f(x) = 3x^3 - 2x^2 + 5x - 7f(x)=3x3−2x2+5x−7

This is a polynomial function in one variable, xxx.

General Form:

f(x)=anxn+an−1xn−1+⋯+a1x+a0f(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \dots + a_1x + a_0f(x)=anxn+an−1


xn−1+⋯+a1x+a0

Where:

• an,an−1,…,a0a_n, a_{n-1}, \dots, a_0an,an−1,…,a0 are real coefficients


• nnn is a non-negative integer
• an≠0a_n \ne 0an =0

🟡 2. Key Terms and Concepts


To understand polynomial functions better, let’s go through some important terms:

🔹 Degree of a Polynomial

The degree is the highest power of the variable with a non-zero coefficient.
Example: In f(x)=4x5−x3+2f(x) = 4x^5 - x^3 + 2f(x)=4x5−x3+2, the degree is 5.

🔹 Leading Coefficient
The coefficient of the highest-degree term.
Here, it’s 4.

🔹 Constant Term

The term with no variable (the last one), which is 2 in the example.

🔹 Standard Form

Polynomials should be written in descending order of exponents.

🔵 3. Types of Polynomials
Depending on their degree and number of terms, polynomials are classified in different ways.

🔸 By Degree:

• Degree 0 → Constant (e.g. f(x)=7f(x) = 7f(x)=7)


• Degree 1 → Linear (e.g. f(x)=2x+1f(x) = 2x + 1f(x)=2x+1)
• Degree 2 → Quadratic (e.g. f(x)=x2−4f(x) = x^2 - 4f(x)=x2−4)
• Degree 3 → Cubic (e.g. f(x)=x3−3xf(x) = x^3 - 3xf(x)=x3−3x)
• Degree 4 → Quartic (e.g. f(x)=x4+2x2f(x) = x^4 + 2x^2f(x)=x4+2x2)

🔸 By Number of Terms:

• Monomial – one term (e.g. 5x35x^35x3)


• Binomial – two terms (e.g. x2+3x^2 + 3x2+3)
• Trinomial – three terms (e.g. x2−4x+4x^2 - 4x + 4x2−4x+4)

🟡 4. Graphing and Behavior


🔹 End Behavior

The leading term determines how the graph behaves as x→∞x \to \inftyx→∞ or x→−∞x \to -
\inftyx→−∞.

• Even degree, positive leading coefficient: both ends rise


• Even degree, negative leading coefficient: both ends fall
• Odd degree, positive leading coefficient: left falls, right rises
• Odd degree, negative leading coefficient: left rises, right falls

🔹 Zeros or Roots

These are the values of xxx where f(x)=0f(x) = 0f(x)=0. They are the x-intercepts of the graph.

You find them by factoring or using the Rational Root Theorem, synthetic division, or the
Quadratic Formula for degree 2.

✍️ Summary
Let’s wrap up what we’ve learned:

• A polynomial function is a sum of terms involving powers of a variable.


• It is classified by degree and number of terms.
• The graph of a polynomial helps us visualize its zeros and end behavior.
• Understanding polynomials is crucial for solving equations, graphing functions, and
studying calculus.

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