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1.2 Finite Differences of Polynomial Functions

The document discusses polynomial functions, detailing two specific examples: one quintic function with a negative leading coefficient and one degree five function with a positive leading coefficient. It explains the characteristics of these functions, including their x-intercepts, local maxima and minima, and the use of finite differences to determine the degree and leading coefficient. Additionally, it provides a method for constructing finite difference tables to analyze polynomial functions.

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73 views2 pages

1.2 Finite Differences of Polynomial Functions

The document discusses polynomial functions, detailing two specific examples: one quintic function with a negative leading coefficient and one degree five function with a positive leading coefficient. It explains the characteristics of these functions, including their x-intercepts, local maxima and minima, and the use of finite differences to determine the degree and leading coefficient. Additionally, it provides a method for constructing finite difference tables to analyze polynomial functions.

Uploaded by

zahratelatela9
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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c) The function h1x7 = -Zxs + 5x3 - x is quintic, with a negarive leading

coefficient. The graph exrends from quadrant 2 to quadrant 4. The


y-intercept is 0. Graph iii) corresponds to this equation.
There are five x-intercepts and the degree is five. There is no maximum
point and no minimum point. The graph has two local maximum points
and two local minimum points, for a total of four, which is one less
than the degree.
d) The function p{r) = xt - I6x2 + 3 is a function of degree five with
a positive leading coefficient. The graph extends from quadrant 2 to
quadrant 1. The y-intercept is 3. Graph ii) corresponds to this equation.
There are four x-intercepts and the degree is six. The graph has tr,vo
minimum points and no maximum point. The graph has one local
maximum point and two local minimum points, for a total of three
(three less than the degree).

For any positive integer n,


Finite Differences
the product
For a polynomial function of degree n) where n is a positive integer,
nx(n-1)X...X2x1 the ruth differences
may be expressed in a shorter

form as n!, read " n factorial i'


o are equal (or constant)
5l :5X4X3X2X1 r have the same sign as the leading coefficient
- IZU
' are equal ta afn x (n * 1) x . . . x 2x 1], where a is the leading
coefficient

^-r,-*,,"_,-""'..- !\.***_**\.-*-%-.\

tdentify Types of Polynomial punciioiit


Example
From Finite Differences , I J
:1!_9s
Each tabie of values represents a pX-ynoln*at function)tse finite differences
to determine
i) the degree of the polynomial function
ii) the sign of the leading coefficient
iii) the value of the leading coefficient
.)x v x v
-3 -36 -2 -54
-2 -12 *1 -8
*2
. -i 0 0
0 0 1 6
I
0 2 22
2 4 3 36
3 1B 4 12

4 4B 5 -110

20 MHR . Advanced Functions . Chapter l


Solution
Construct a finite difference table. Determine finite differences until they
are constant.

a) i) x y First Differences SecondDifferences ThirdDifferences


-3 -36
*2 -12 -12* (-36; : 24
-1 -2 -2-(-12) :16 10 - 24: -14
0 0 0 * (-2):2 2-10 * -8 -B-(-14):6
1
I 0 0-0=0 0-2: -2 -2-(-e1 :6
2 4 4-0=4 4-A=4 4 - (-21:6
3 18 18-4:14 14-4:10 10-4:6
4 48 48-18=30 30-14:16 16-10=6

The third differences are constant. So, the table of values represents a coNNECrloNs.
cubic function. The degree of the function is three. \bu lvill learn'rvhy the constant
ii) The leading coefficient is positive, since 6 is positive. finite differerces of a degree-n
polynomial with leading
iii) The value of the leading coefficient is the value of a such that
6 * alnx (n - 1) x . .. xZx 11.
coefficient d afe equal to
X
a nl ifyou study calculus.
Substitute n : 3:
6:a(3x2x1)
6:6a
a:I
b) i)

First Second Third Fourth


x v Differences Differences Differences Differences
*2 *54
*l *8 46
U 0 B -38
1 6 6 -2 36

2 22 16 10 12 -24
3 36 14 *2 -12 -24
-36 *24
4 12 -24 -38
5 -110 -122 *98 -60 -24
Since the fourth differences are equal and negative, the table of vaiues
represents a quartic function. The degree of the function is four.
ii) This polynomial has a negative leading coefficient.
i ii) The value of the leading coefficient is the value of a such that
-24 : a[n x (n * 1) x . . . x 2 x 1].
Substitute n : 4:

-24:a(4x3x2x1)
-24 :24a
a: -7

'f;u 1'; #4/trr


1.2 Characteristics of Poivnonrial Functions . MHR 21

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