4.

8 Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial

Functions
Essential Question How many turning points can the graph of a
polynomial function have?
y
A turning point of the graph of
turning point
a polynomial function is a point 1
on the graph at which the
function changes from
1.5 x
• increasing to decreasing, or
−1
• decreasing to increasing. turning point

Approximating Turning Points

Work with a partner. Match each polynomial function with its graph. Explain
your reasoning. Then use a graphing calculator to approximate the coordinates of
the turning points of the graph of the function. Round your answers to the nearest
ATTENDING hundredth.
TO PRECISION a. f(x) = 2x2 + 3x − 4 b. f(x) = x2 + 3x + 2
To be proficient in math,
c. f(x) = x3 − 2x2 − x + 1 d. f(x) = −x3 + 5x − 2
you need to express
numerical answers with e. f(x) = x 4 − 3x2 + 2x − 1 f. f(x) = −2x5 − x2 + 5x + 3
a degree of precision
appropriate for the A. 4 B. 2
problem context.
−6 6
−6 6

−4 −6

C. 2 D. 3

−6 6 −6 6

−6 −7

E. 6 F. 4

−6 6

−6 6

−2 −4

Communicate Your Answer

2. How many turning points can the graph of a polynomial function have?
3. Is it possible to sketch the graph of a cubic polynomial function that has no
turning points? Justify your answer.

Section 4.8 Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions 211

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 4.8 Lesson What You Will Learn
Use x-intercepts to graph polynomial functions.
Use the Location Principle to identify zeros of polynomial functions.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry Find turning points and identify local maximums and local minimums
local maximum, p. 214 of graphs of polynomial functions.
local minimum, p. 214 Identify even and odd functions.
even function, p. 215
odd function, p. 215
Graphing Polynomial Functions
Previous
In this chapter, you have learned that zeros, factors, solutions, and x-intercepts are
end behavior closely related concepts. Here is a summary of these relationships.
increasing

Concept Summary
decreasing
symmetric about the y-axis
Zeros, Factors, Solutions, and Intercepts
Let f (x) = an x n + an−1x n−1 + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ + a1x + a0 be a polynomial function.
The following statements are equivalent.
Zero: k is a zero of the polynomial function f.
Factor: x − k is a factor of the polynomial f(x).
Solution: k is a solution (or root) of the polynomial equation f (x) = 0.
x-Intercept: If k is a real number, then k is an x-intercept of the graph of the
polynomial function f. The graph of f passes through (k, 0).

Using x-Intercepts to Graph a Polynomial Function

Graph the function

f(x) = —16 (x + 3)(x − 2)2.

SOLUTION
Step 1 Plot the x-intercepts. Because −3 and 2 are zeros y
4
of f, plot (−3, 0) and (2, 0). (−3, 0)
2
Step 2 Plot points between and beyond the x-intercepts.

x −2 −1 0 1 3 −4 −2 (2, 0) 4 x
8 2 −2
y —3 3 2 —3 1
−4

Step 3 Determine end behavior. Because f(x) has three factors of the form x − k and
a constant factor of —16 , f is a cubic function with a positive leading coefficient.
So, f(x) → −∞ as x → −∞ and f (x) → +∞ as x → +∞.
Step 4 Draw the graph so that it passes through the plotted points and has the
appropriate end behavior.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Graph the function.

1 1
1. f(x) = —2 (x + 1)(x − 4)2 2. f(x) = —4 (x + 2)(x − 1)(x − 3)

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 The Location Principle
You can use the Location Principle to help you find real zeros of
polynomial functions.

Core Concept
The Location Principle
If f is a polynomial function, and a and b are two real numbers such that f(a) < 0
and f (b) > 0, then f has at least one real zero between a and b.

To use this principle to locate real zeros of a polynomial y

function, find a value a at which the polynomial function
is negative and another value b at which the function is f(b)
positive. You can conclude that the function has at least
one real zero between a and b. a b x
f(a) zero

Locating Real Zeros of a Polynomial Function

Find all real zeros of

f(x) = 6x3 + 5x2 − 17x − 6.

SOLUTION
Step 1 Use a graphing calculator to make a table. X Y1
0 -6
1 -12
Step 2 Use the Location Principle. From the table 2 28
shown, you can see that f(1) < 0 and 3 150
4 390
f (2) > 0. So, by the Location Principle, 5 784
6 1368
f has a zero between 1 and 2. Because f is a X=1
polynomial function of degree 3, it has
three zeros. The only possible rational zero
between 1 and 2 is —32 . Using synthetic division,
you can confirm that —32 is a zero.
Step 3 Write f (x) in factored form. Dividing f (x) by its known factor x − —32 gives a
quotient of 6x2 + 14x + 4. So, you can factor f(x) as

Check ( )
f (x) = x − —32 (6x2 + 14x + 4)
20
( )
= 2 x − —32 (3x2 + 7x + 2)

= 2( x − — ) (3x + 1)(x + 2).

3
2
−5 5

Zero
From the factorization, there are three zeros. The zeros of f are
X=1.5 Y=0 3 1
−20 —2 , −—3 , and −2.

Check this by graphing f.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

3. Find all real zeros of f(x) = 18x3 + 21x2 − 13x − 6.

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 Turning Points
Another important characteristic of graphs of polynomial functions is that they have
turning points corresponding to local maximum and minimum values.
• The y-coordinate of a turning point is a y
READING local maximum of the function when the function is
function is
point is higher than all nearby points. decreasing
Local maximum and local increasing
• The y-coordinate of a turning point is a local maximum
minimum are sometimes
referred to as relative local minimum of the function when the
x
maximum and relative point is lower than all nearby points.
minimum. local minimum
The turning points of a graph help determine function is
the intervals for which a function is increasing increasing
or decreasing.

Core Concept
Turning Points of Polynomial Functions
1. The graph of every polynomial function of degree n has at most n − 1
turning points.
2. If a polynomial function of degree n has n distinct real zeros, then its graph
has exactly n − 1 turning points.

Finding Turning Points

Graph each function. Identify the x-intercepts and the points where the local
maximums and local minimums occur. Determine the intervals for which each
function is increasing or decreasing.
a. f(x) = x3 − 3x2 + 6 b. g(x) = x 4 − 6x3 + 3x2 + 10x − 3

SOLUTION
25 a. Use a graphing calculator to graph the function. The graph of f has one x-intercept
and two turning points. Use the graphing calculator’s zero, maximum, and minimum
features to approximate the coordinates of the points.
The x-intercept of the graph is x ≈ −1.20. The function has a local maximum
−3 5 at (0, 6) and a local minimum at (2, 2). The function is increasing when
Maximum
X=0 Y=6 x < 0 and x > 2 and decreasing when 0 < x < 2.
−10
b. Use a graphing calculator to graph the function. The graph of g has four
40
x-intercepts and three turning points. Use the graphing calculator’s zero, maximum,
and minimum features to approximate the coordinates of the points.

−4 6 The x-intercepts of the graph are x ≈ −1.14, x ≈ 0.29, x ≈ 1.82, and

x ≈ 5.03. The function has a local maximum at (1.11, 5.11) and local
minimums at (−0.57, −6.51) and (3.96, −43.04). The function is increasing
Minimum
X=-0.569071 Y=-6.50858 when −0.57 < x < 1.11 and x > 3.96 and decreasing when x < −0.57 and
−70 1.11 < x < 3.96.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

4. Graph f(x) = 0.5x3 + x2 − x + 2. Identify the x-intercepts and the points where
the local maximums and local minimums occur. Determine the intervals for which
the function is increasing or decreasing.

214 Chapter 4 Polynomial Functions

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 Even and Odd Functions

Core Concept
Even and Odd Functions
A function f is an even function when f (−x) = f(x) for all x in its domain. The
graph of an even function is symmetric about the y-axis.
A function f is an odd function when f(−x) = −f(x) for all x in its domain. The
graph of an odd function is symmetric about the origin. One way to recognize
a graph that is symmetric about the origin is that it looks the same after a 180°
rotation about the origin.
Even Function Odd Function
y y

(x, y)
(−x, y) (x, y)

x x

(−x, −y)

For an even function, if (x, y) is on the For an odd function, if (x, y) is on the
graph, then (−x, y) is also on the graph. graph, then (−x, −y) is also on the graph.

Identifying Even and Odd Functions

Determine whether each function is even, odd, or neither.

a. f(x) = x3 − 7x b. g(x) = x 4 + x2 − 1 c. h(x) = x3 + 2

SOLUTION
a. Replace x with −x in the equation for f, and then simplify.
f (−x) = (−x)3 − 7(−x) = −x3 + 7x = −(x3 − 7x) = −f(x)
Because f(−x) = −f(x), the function is odd.
b. Replace x with −x in the equation for g, and then simplify.
g(−x) = (−x)4 + (−x)2 − 1 = x 4 + x2 − 1 = g(x)
Because g(−x) = g(x), the function is even.
c. Replacing x with −x in the equation for h produces
h(−x) = (−x)3 + 2 = −x3 + 2.
Because h(x) = x3 + 2 and −h(x) = −x3 − 2, you can conclude that
h(−x) ≠ h(x) and h(−x) ≠ −h(x). So, the function is neither even nor odd.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Determine whether the function is even, odd, or neither.

5. f(x) = −x2 + 5 6. f(x) = x 4 − 5x3 7. f(x) = 2x5

Section 4.8 Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions 215

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 4.8 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at BigIdeasMath.com

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

1. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE A local maximum or local minimum of a polynomial function occurs at
a ______________ point of the graph of the function.

2. WRITING Explain what a local maximum of a function is and how it may be different from the
maximum value of the function.

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS In Exercises 3–6, match the ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 15 and 16, describe and
function with its graph. correct the error in using factors to graph f.
3. f(x) = (x − 1)(x −2)(x + 2) 15. f(x) = (x + 2)(x − 1)2

4. h(x) = (x + 2)2(x + 1)

5. g(x) = (x + 1)(x − 1)(x + 2)

✗ −4 −2
y

4x
−2
6. f(x) = (x − 1)2(x + 2)
−4
A. y B. y

2
3

2 x 16. f(x) = x2(x − 3)3

1

✗
−2
−3 −1 3x
y

4
C. y D. y
2

2 −2 2 4 6x
2 x
−2
2 x

In Exercises 17–22, find all real zeros of the function.

(See Example 2.)
In Exercises 7–14, graph the function. (See Example 1.)
17. f(x) = x3 − 4x2 − x + 4
7. f(x) = (x − 2)2(x + 1) 8. f(x) = (x + 2)2(x + 4)2
18. f(x) = x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 12
9. h(x) = (x + 1)2(x − 1)(x − 3)
19. h(x) = 2x3 + 7x2 − 5x − 4
10. g(x) = 4(x + 1)(x + 2)(x − 1)

1
20. h(x) = 4x3 − 2x2 − 24x − 18
11. h(x) = —3 (x − 5)(x + 2)(x − 3)

1
21. g(x) = 4x3 + x2 − 51x + 36
12. g(x) = —
12
(x + 4)(x + 8)(x − 1)
22. f(x) = 2x3 − 3x2 − 32x − 15
13. h(x) = (x − 3)(x2 + x + 1)

14. f(x) = (x − 4)(2x2 − 2x + 1)

216 Chapter 4 Polynomial Functions

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 In Exercises 23–30, graph the function. Identify the 38. • The graph of f has x-intercepts at x = −3, x = 1,
x-intercepts and the points where the local maximums and x = 5.
and local minimums occur. Determine the intervals for
• f has a local maximum value when x = 1.
which the function is increasing or decreasing.
(See Example 3.) • f has a local minimum value when x = −2 and
when x = 4.
23. g(x) = 2x3 + 8x2 − 3
In Exercises 39–46, determine whether the function is
24. g(x) = −x 4 + 3x
even, odd, or neither. (See Example 4.)
25. h(x) = x 4 − 3x2 + x 39. h(x) = 4x7 40. g(x) = −2x 6 + x2

26. f(x) = x5 − 4x3 + x2 + 2 41. f(x) = x 4 + 3x2 − 2

27. f(x) = 0.5x3 − 2x + 2.5 42. f(x) = x5 + 3x3 − x

28. f(x) = 0.7x 4 − 3x3 + 5x 43. g(x) = x2 + 5x + 1

29. h(x) = x5 + 2x2 − 17x − 4 44. f(x) = −x3 + 2x − 9

30. g(x) = x 4 − 5x3 + 2x2 + x − 3 45. f(x) = x 4 − 12x2

In Exercises 31–36, estimate the coordinates of each 46. h(x) = x5 + 3x 4

turning point. State whether each corresponds to a local
maximum or a local minimum. Then estimate the real 47. USING TOOLS When a swimmer does the
zeros and find the least possible degree of the function. breaststroke, the function
31. y 32. y S = −241t7 + 1060t 6 − 1870t 5 + 1650t 4
2
− 737t 3 + 144t 2 − 2.43t
4
models the speed S (in meters per second) of the
−2 2 x −4 4 x swimmer during one complete stroke, where t is the
number of seconds since the start of the stroke and
0 ≤ t ≤ 1.22. Use a graphing calculator to graph
the function. At what time during the stroke is the
swimmer traveling the fastest?
33. y 34. y
10
2 4 x
−2 2 x
−2

−4

−6

35. y 36. y
6

2 x
2
−4
−3 −1 1 3x 48. USING TOOLS During a recent period of time, the
number S (in thousands) of students enrolled in public
schools in a certain country can be modeled by
S = 1.64x3 − 102x2 + 1710x + 36,300, where x is
OPEN-ENDED In Exercises 37 and 38, sketch a graph of time (in years). Use a graphing calculator to graph the
a polynomial function f having the given characteristics. function for the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ 41. Then describe
how the public school enrollment changes over this
37. • The graph of f has x-intercepts at x = −4, x = 0, period of time.
and x = 2.
49. WRITING Why is the adjective local, used to describe
• f has a local maximum value when x = 1.
the maximums and minimums of cubic functions,
• f has a local minimum value when x = −2. sometimes not required for quadratic functions?

Section 4.8 Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions 217

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 50. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? The graph of a polynomial 53. PROBLEM SOLVING Quonset huts are temporary,
function is shown. all-purpose structures shaped like half-cylinders.
You have 1100 square feet of material to build a
y quonset hut.
y = f(x) 10 a. The surface area S of a quonset hut is given by
S = πr 2 + πr . Substitute 1100 for S and then
write an expression for in terms of r.
−4 −2 2 x
b. The volume V of a quonset hut is given by
−10
V = —12 πr 2 . Write an equation that gives V as a
function in terms of r only.

a. Find the zeros, local maximum, and local c. Find the value of r that maximizes the volume of
minimum values of the function. the hut.

b. Compare the x-intercepts of the graphs of y = f(x)

and y = −f(x).
c. Compare the maximum and minimum values of
the functions y = f(x) and y = −f(x).

51. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Your friend claims that the

product of two odd functions is an odd function. Is
your friend correct? Explain your reasoning.

52. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS You are making a

rectangular box out of a 16-inch-by-20-inch piece of
cardboard. The box will be formed by making the cuts 54. THOUGHT PROVOKING Write and graph a polynomial
shown in the diagram and folding up the sides. You function that has one real zero in each of the intervals
want the box to have the greatest volume possible. −2 < x < −1, 0 < x < 1, and 4 < x < 5. Is there a
maximum degree that such a polynomial function can
x x have? Justify your answer.
x x

16 in. 55. MATHEMATICAL CONNECTIONS A cylinder is

inscribed in a sphere of radius 8 inches. Write an
x x
equation for the volume of the cylinder as a function
x x of h. Find the value of h that maximizes the volume of
20 in. the inscribed cylinder. What is the maximum volume
of the cylinder?
a. How long should you make the cuts?
b. What is the maximum volume?
c. What are the dimensions of the finished box?
h

8 in.

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

State whether the table displays linear data, quadratic data, or neither. Explain. (Section 2.4)
56. 57.
Months, x 0 1 2 3 Time (seconds), x 0 1 2 3
Savings (dollars), y 100 150 200 250 Height (feet), y 300 284 236 156

218 Chapter 4 Polynomial Functions

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