1.
5: Exploring the Effect of Degree on
Polynomial Functions
This note details the effect of the degree of a polynomial function affects the number of its
intercepts and the number of its turning points.
-An x intercept is a point of contact between a graph and the x axis.
-A turning point is a point where a graph changes from increasing to decreasing or decreasing
to increasing.
The ends of the graphed lines entered
and left the same side of the picture
-The functions with positive
coefficients (even degree), the ends
came in and left out the top of the
picture, (regular occurrence for +)
-The functions with negative
coefficients (odd degree, the ends
came in and left out the bottom of
the picture (regular occurrence for -)
-If they start down then go
up the, their a positive
polynomial of a odd degree
- If they start up then go
down the, their a negative
polynomial of a positive
degree
Practice Questions
- Degree - Degree
o 4, Detailed by exponent o 4, Detailed by exponent
- Even or Odd Degree - Even or Odd Degree
o Even, depends on exponent # o Even, depends on exponent #
- Turning Point - Turning Point
o Must Graph to figure out? o 3, Must Graph to figure out?
- X-Intercepts - X-Intercepts
o 4, Factor the Equation, and count the # o 0, Factor the Equation, and count the #
of brackets of brackets
o x(x-2)(x-1)(x+1) o unfacterable
{Even Degree 2 & 4}
A polynomial of degree 2 has:
a minimum of 0 x-intercepts
a maximum of 2 x-intercepts
has a minimum of 1 turning point
has a maximum of 1 turning point
A polynomial of degree 4 has:
a minimum of 0 x-intercepts
a maximum of 4 x-intercepts
a minimum of 1 turning point
a maximum of 3 turning points
{Even Degree 1 & 3}
A polynomial of degree 1 has:
a minimum of one x-intercept
a maximum of one x-intercept
a minimum of zero turning points
a maximum of zero turning points
A polynomial of degree 3 has
a minimum of one x-intercept
a maximum of three x-intercepts
a minimum of zero turning point(s)
`a maximum of two turning point(s)
Summary
d = Equal to the degree of the function
d-1 = 1 less then the degree of the function