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Mathematics
Quarter 2 – Module 1:
Polynomial Functions
Mathematics - Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 1: Polynomial Functions
First Edition, 2020

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the concept of Polynomial Function. The scope of this module permits it to be
used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence
of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the textbook you are now using.
The module is focused on concepts of Polynomial Function.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. illustrate polynomial functions; and
2. understand, describe, and interpret the graphs of polynomial functions.

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. At what point will the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 35𝑥 + 32
crosses the 𝑦-axis?
A. (0, 32) C. (32, 0)
B. (0, 35) D. (0, 11)

2. If you will draw the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 4), how will the graph
behave at the 𝑥-axis?
A. The graph crosses both (0, 0) and (4, 0)
B. The graph crosses (4, 0) and is tangent to the 𝑥-axis at (0, 0)
C. The graph is tangent to the 𝑥-axis at both (0, 0) and (4, 0)
D. The graph crosses (0, 0) and is tangent to the 𝑥-axis at (4, 0)
3. Your friend Eliza asks your help in drawing rough sketch of the graph of
𝑃(𝑥) = −(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)2 by means of the Leading Coefficient Test. How will you
explain the behavior of the graph?
A. The graph is falling to the left and rising to the right
B. The graph is rising to both left and right
C. The graph is rising to the left and falling to the right
D. The graph is falling to both left and right
4. Which polynomial function in factored form represents the given graph?
A. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)2
B. 𝑦 = −(2𝑥 − 3)2 (𝑥 + 1)
C. 𝑦 = −(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)2
D. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 − 3)2 (𝑥 + 1)

5. Which of the following could be the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 + 4?

A. B. C. D.

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 Lesson
Polynomial Function
1
A Polynomial Function of degree 𝑛 is a function of the form

𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

where 𝑛 is a non-negative integer and 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0.

When the polynomial function is written in standard form,

 the leading term is 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ,
 the leading coefficient is 𝑎𝑛 ,
 the degree of the polynomial function is 𝑛.

What’s In

State the degree and leading coefficient of each Polynomial Function. If it is not
a Polynomial Function, explain why.

Polynomial Function or
Degree Leading
Given
𝒏 Coefficient
Not Polynomial Function

1. 𝑃(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 3 + 7 − 𝑥 5
1
2. 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − + 1
𝑥

3. 𝑃(𝑥) = 4√𝑥 − 3
1
4. 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + √3 𝑥 − 4
2

5. 𝑃(𝑥) = 3𝑥 −2 − 𝑥 + 6

Have you noticed that only numbers 1 and 4 are Polynomial Function?
 𝑃(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 3 + 7 − 𝑥 5 , when written in Standard Form is
𝑃(𝑥) = −𝑥 5 + 5𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 7, where the degree 𝑛 is 5 and the leading coefficient is
-1
1
 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + √3 𝑥 − 4 is already arranged in Standard Form,
2
1
where the degree 𝑛 is 3 and the leading coefficient is 2.

Did you know that numbers 2, 3, and 5 are Not Polynomial Functions?
1
 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1, and 𝑃(𝑥) = 3𝑥 −2 − 𝑥 + 6 are Not Polynomial Function since the
1
exponent in the variable 𝑥 in 𝑥 (or 𝑥 −1 ), and 3𝑥 −2 are negative integer.
 𝑃(𝑥) = 4√𝑥 − 3 is Not Polynomial Function since the exponent in the variable 𝑥 in
1
√𝑥 (or 𝑥 2 ) is not an integer.

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 What’s New

Common Polynomial Functions

Degree
𝒏
Type Standard Form Example

0 Constant 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎0 𝑓(𝑥) = −9

2
1 Linear 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 7
3

2 Quadratic 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1

3 Cubic 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎3 𝑥 3 + 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + √3

4 Quartic 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎4 𝑥 4 + 𝑎3 𝑥 3 + 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 9

Let’s focus on graphs of Quadratic Function.

How many turning point (vertex) does a parabola has?
What do you think is the relation of the degree to the number of turning point?

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒

 A Quadratic Function is a polynomial function of degree 2. Its graph is a

U-shaped curve called a parabola, which has 1 turning point known as vertex.
 A polynomial function of degree n has at most 𝑛 – 1 turning points

Also, noticed that:

 In 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒 and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒, the degree of the polynomial is even (2)
and the leading coefficient is POSITIVE, the graph is rising to both left and right.
 In 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒 and 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒, the degree of the polynomial is even
(2) and the leading coefficient is NEGATIVE, the graph is falling to both left and
right.
 Both 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒 and 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒 has zeros +2, (odd multiplicity), their
graph crosses the x-axis at (-2, 0) and (2, 0)
 Both 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒 and 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒 has zeros -2 multiplicity of 2,
(even multiplicity). Their graph bounced off the x-axis, or is tangent to the x-
axis at (-2, 0).

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 What is It

Key Points in Sketching Graphs of Polynomial Function

1. Determine the left end and the right end behavior by examining the leading
coefficient and the degree of the polynomial
The Leading Coefficient Test
If the degree of the 𝑷(𝒙) = 𝑥 2 If the degree is even
𝑷(𝒙) = −𝑥 2
polynomial is even and the leading
and the leading coefficient is
coefficient is negative, the graph is
positive, the graph is falling to both left and
rising to both left and right.
right.
If the degree is odd and the 𝑷(𝒙) = 𝑥 3 If the degree is odd and 𝑷(𝒙) = −𝑥 3
leading coefficient is the leading coefficient is
positive, the graph is falling negative, the graph is
to the left and rising to the rising to the left and falling
right. to the right.

2. Find the y-intercept.

 To find the y-intercept, evaluate the function when 𝑥 = 0, or 𝑃(0).
 Write the y-intercept in the form (0, __)
 Plot the point

3. Find any x-intercepts.

 The x-intercepts of the function are also known as zeros of the function. To
find the x-intercepts, evaluate the function when
𝑦 = 0, or 𝑃(𝑥) = 0.
 Write the x-intercepts in the form (__, 0)
 Plot these points

4. Use the x-intercepts (zeros) to divide the x-axis into intervals and choose a test
point in each interval to determine the sign of all function values in that interval.

5. Use the multiplicities of the zeros to determine the

behavior of the polynomial at the x-intercepts.
 The graph of a polynomial will cross the x-axis at Zero
a zero with odd multiplicity. with Odd Zero
multiplicity with Even
 The graph of a polynomial will touch and bounce multiplicity
off the x-axis at a zero with even multiplicity.

6. If necessary, find additional points to draw an accurate graph.

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 What’s More

Polynomial Functions and their graphs

Given: 𝐏(𝐱) = −𝟑𝐱 + 𝐱 𝟑 − 𝟐𝐱 𝟐 𝐏(𝐱) = −𝟑𝐱 − 𝐱 𝟑 − 𝟓𝐱 𝟐 + 𝟗

Standard Form P(x) = x 3 − 2x 2 − 3x P(x) = −x 3 − 5x 2 − 3𝑥 + 9

Leading Coefficient 1 -1

Degree 3 3

Maximum No. of
turning pts (degree 2 2
𝒏 − 𝟏)

Since the degree is odd (3) and Since the degree is odd (3) and
the leading coefficient is the leading coefficient is
Behavior of the positive, negative,
Graph
the graph is falling to the the graph is rising to the
left and rising to the right. left and falling to the right.

P(0) = −(0)3 − 5(0)2 − 3(0)

P(0) = 03 − 2(0)2 − 3(0)
+9
P(0) = 0
y-intercept P(0) = 9
The graph will pass through
The graph will pass through
(0, 0)
(0, 9)

By Synthetic Division:
-3 -1 -5 -3 9

3 6 -9
By factoring:
-1 -2 3 0
x 3 − 2x 2 − 3x = 0
-3 3 -3
𝑥(x 2 − 2x − 3) = 0
-1 1 0
x-intercepts/Zeros 𝑥(𝑥 − 3)(x + 1) = 0
1 -1

-1 0

Multiplicities of The zeros are 0, 3, and -1.

The zeros are 1 and
Zeros
-3 multiplicity of 2
Zeros with ODD multiplicity: Zeros with ODD
multiplicity:
The graph will pass through
The graph will pass through
(0, 0), (3, 0), (-1, 0)
(1, 0)

Zeros with EVEN

multiplicity:

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 The graph will touch and
bounce off at (-3, 0)

Factored Form 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 − 3)(x + 1) 𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)2 (x − 1)

Sketch of graph

Given: 𝐏(𝐱) = 𝟒 − 𝟑𝐱 𝟐 − 𝟒𝐱 𝟑 + 𝟒𝐱 − 𝐱 𝟒 𝐏(𝐱) = 𝟖 − 𝟏𝟎𝐱 𝟐 + 𝟐𝐱 𝟒

Standard Form P(x) = −x 4 −4x 3 − 3x 2 + 4x + 4 P(x) = 2x 4 − 10x 2 + 8

Leading Coefficient -1 2

Degree 4 4

Maximum No. of
turning pts (degree 3 3
𝒏 − 𝟏)

Since the degree is even (4) and Since the degree is even (4)
the leading coefficient is and the leading coefficient is
Behavior of the negative, positive,
Graph
the graph is falling to both the graph is rising to both
left and right. left and right.

P(0) = −(0)4 −4(0)3 − 3(0)2 P(0) = 2(0)4 − 10(0)2 + 8

+ 4(0) + 4 P(0) = 8
y-intercept P(0) = 4

The graph will pass through The graph will pass through
(0, 4) (0, 8)

By Synthetic Division: By factoring:

1 -1 -4 -3 4 4 2(x 4 − 5x 2 + 4) = 0

-1 -5 -8 -4 2(x 4 − x 2 − 4x 2 + 4) = 0

-1 -5 -8 -4 0 2(x 2 (x 2 − 1) − 4(x 2 − 1)) = 0

x-intercepts / Zeros -1 1 4 4 2(x 2 − 1)(x 2 − 4) = 0

-1 -4 -4 0 2(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2) = 0

-2 2 4
Multiplicities of
Zeros -1 -2 0
The zeros are +1 and +2
-2 2

-1 0 Zeros with ODD

multiplicity:

The zeros are +1 and The graph will pass through

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 -2 multiplicity of 2. (-2, 0), (-1, 0), (1, 0), (2, 0)

Zeros with ODD multiplicity:

The graph will pass through

(1, 0) and (-1, 0)

Zeros with EVEN

multiplicity:

The graph will touch and

bounce off at (-2, 0)

Factored Form 𝑃(𝑥) = −(𝑥 + 2)2 (𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − 1) 𝑃(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)

Sketch of graph

What I Have Learned

 Graphs of Polynomial Functions of degree 2 or more are smooth and continuous.

 Completely factor the polynomial function to find all real zeros and their
multiplicities.
 The multiplicity of a zero determines how the graph behaves at the x-intercept.
 The graph of a polynomial will cross the x-axis at a zero with odd
multiplicity.
 The graph of a polynomial will touch and bounce off the x-axis at a zero
with even multiplicity.
 The end behavior of a polynomial function depends on the leading term.
 The graph of a polynomial function changes direction at its turning points.
 A polynomial function of degree n has at most 𝑛 – 1 turning points.

What I Can Do

A. Identify the number of turning points, y-intercepts, behavior of the graph, and
the zeros for each function.
No. of
y-int. behavior of the graph zeros
turning pt.

1. 𝑃(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 3

2. 𝑃(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 − 15𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 3

3. 𝑃(𝑥) = 4𝑥 4 − 13𝑥 2 + 9

4. 𝑃(𝑥) = −𝑥 4 − 6𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 2 + 94𝑥 + 120

5. 𝑃(𝑥) = −4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 3

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 B. Based on the graphs shown, determine its degree, zeros, then write the
Polynomial Function in Factored Form.
1. 2. 3.

Assessment

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. If the graph of polynomial function has three turning points, what is its least
possible degree?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5
2. Which of the following graphs
illustrates Polynomial Functions?

3. If the graph will extend its right part, at what point will the graph
of 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 − 35𝑥 − 32 cross the 𝑦-axis?
A. (-32, 0) C. (32, 0)
B. (0, -32) D. (0, 32)

4. Which polynomial function in factored form

represents the given graph?
A. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)2
B. 𝑦 = −(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)2
C. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 − 3)2 (𝑥 + 1)
D. 𝑦 = −(2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)2

5. Jun drew the graph of the polynomial function 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 − 1)2 . Which of the
following graphs could be his work?
A. B C. D.
.

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