Instructor: T. Steffy Section 3.
2: Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs MAC 1105
3.2 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs
Objective 1: Identifying Polynomial Functions
Definition of a Polynomial Function:
Let n be a non-negative integer (means the power of the variable x is positive integer, such
as, 0, 1, 2, 3 .. etc) let an , an1 ,..., a2 , a1, a0 be real numbers with an 0 .
The function defined by
f ( x) an x n an1 x n1 ... a2 x 2 a1 x a0
This is called a polynomial function of x of degree n.
The number a n (the coefficient of the variable to the highest power) is called the
leading coefficient.
A constant function f ( x) c where c 0 has degree 0.
The function f ( x) 0 has no degree.
Example 1:
Determine whether the function is a polynomial function. If it is, identify the degree.
a) f (x) = 2x 6 + 5x 4
b) f (x) = 2x 6 + 5x 4 - 3 x
5
c) f (x) = 7x + 4x +
4 3
x
Objective 2: Recognize Characteristics of Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions have graphs that are smooth and continuous.
Smooth means that the graph has only smooth, rounded curves with no sharp corners.
Continuous means that the graph has no breaks, jumps, gaps or holes.
Example 2 : (Pictures)
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Instructor: T. Steffy Section 3.2: Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs MAC 1105
Objective 3: End Behavior of Polynomial Functions.
The behavior of the graph to the far left & far right is called the end behavior of the graph.
The graph will rise without bond (as it goes to the infinity) as it moves to the far right or left.
The end behavior depends on:
1. Sign of the leading coefficient. (an )
2. Degree of the polynomial. (n)
Leading Coefficient Test:
an x n
ODD n: Opposite direction: EVEN n: Same direction
an > 0 falls on the left, rises on the right both rise on left and right
an < 0 rises on the left, falls on the right both fall on left and right
Example 3 (#6, 5) use the LEADING TERM to determine the end behavior of the graph :
a) (x - 4)6 b) f (x) = 4x 4 + 5x 3 - 3x + 7
Note: When checking on the graphing calculator, make sure you have the right window
measure to show the end behavior of the graph. (You may need to ZOOM OUT!)
Objective 4: Identifying the Zeros of Polynomial Functions
In other words, were finding the roots of the function a.k.a. where your curve crosses the x-
axis. Set f(x) = 0, and solve for x.
The results are your x-intercepts where the graph crosses the x-axis.
Example 4: f (x) = x 3 + 3x 2 - x - 3 (verify on the calculator)
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Instructor: T. Steffy Section 3.2: Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs MAC 1105
Objective 5: Multiplicity of Zeros
If the factor (x - r)k occurs k times, we call r a zero with multiplicity k.
The multiplicity tells us if the graph turns or crosses the x axis at the point r
k is even number : (k=2,4,6,8, ) k is an odd number: (k=1,3,5,7, )
Example: (x - 5)8 Example : (x - 5)7
The curve touches the x-axis at x = 5, The graph crosses the x-axis at x = 5.
then turns around without crossing
over.
* Regardless of k being even or odd, the graph tends to flatten out near each Zero.
Example 5 (#7):
Find the zeros for the polynomial.
Give the multiplicity for each zero.
State whether the graph crosses or touches the x-axis at each zero.
f (x) = -5(x - 3)(x + 7)2
Practice example:
f (x) = x 3 -8x 2 +16x
Objective 6 : Turning Points of Polynomial Function.
Generally
If f(x) is a polynomial of degree n, the graph has at most n-1 turning points
So, a polynomial with a degree of 5 has at most 4 turning points.
Example 6 (#11) :
f (x) = x 3 (x - 2)2 (x + 5)
a) Use the leading term to determine the curves end behavior.
b) Find the x-intercepts.
State if the curve crosses or just touches without crossing at each zero.
c) Find the y-intercept.
d) Determine the symmetry of the graph.
e) Find the maximum number of turning points for the curve.
f) Sketch your graph.
Practice Example (#10) : f (x) = -x 4 + 25x 2
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Instructor: T. Steffy Section 3.2: Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs MAC 1105
Objective 7: Intermediate Value Theorem
Let f ( x) be a polynomial function with real coefficients, a and b.
If f (a) and f (b) have opposite signs, then there is at least one zero between them. Well
call that value c . (Note that c is an x-value 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.
Example 1
Show that the polynomial function f ( x) x 2 x 5 has a real zero between 2 and 3.
3
f ( x) is a polynomial function with real coefficients.
f (2) 23 2(2) 5 8 4 5 1
f (3) 33 2(3) 5 27 6 5 16
f (a) f (2) 1 and f (b) f (3) 16 have opposite signs, so by the IVT there is at least
one point called c between a and b such that f (c) 0.
Thus, f ( x) has a real root between 2 and 3.
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