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3.2 - Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs

Chapter 3.2 covers polynomial functions, including their identification, characteristics, end behavior, and methods for finding zeros and their multiplicities. It explains the smooth and continuous nature of polynomial graphs, provides examples of different polynomial degrees, and outlines steps for graphing these functions. Key concepts include the Leading Coefficient Test and the behavior of graphs at their zeros based on the multiplicity of those zeros.

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12 views8 pages

3.2 - Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs

Chapter 3.2 covers polynomial functions, including their identification, characteristics, end behavior, and methods for finding zeros and their multiplicities. It explains the smooth and continuous nature of polynomial graphs, provides examples of different polynomial degrees, and outlines steps for graphing these functions. Key concepts include the Leading Coefficient Test and the behavior of graphs at their zeros based on the multiplicity of those zeros.

Uploaded by

mr.jayden.ayala
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 DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 3.

2 – Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs

Objectives:
 Identify polynomial functions.
 Recognize characteristics of graphs of polynomial functions.
 Determine the end behavior of a polynomial function.
 Find the zeros of polynomial functions by factoring.
 Identify zeros and their multiplicities.
 Graph polynomial functions.

I. Identifying Polynomial Functions

Let n be a nonnegative integer and let a n , a n−1 , … , a2 , a1 , a0 be real numbers, with a n ≠ 0. The function
defined by
n n−1 2
f ( x )=an x + an−1 x +…+ a2 x +a 1 x +a0

is called a polynomial function of degree n .


The number a n, the coefficient of the variable to the highest power, is called the leading coefficient.

II. Graphical Characteristics of Polynomial Functions


Polynomial functions have graphs that are
smooth – contain only rounded curves with no sharp corners
and
continuous – no breaks and can be drawn without lifting your pencil
III. End Behavior

The end behavior of a function describes what happens to the y -values of the function as the x -values
approach −∞ or ∞ .

A. Linear Functions
i) y=x ii) y=− x

max # of zeros: 1 max # of zeros: 1


max # of turns: 0 max # of turns: 0
End behavior: Falls left, rises right End behavior: Rises left, falls right

B. Quadratic Functions
i) y=x 2 ii) y=− x2

max # of zeros: 2 max # of zeros: 2


max # of turns: 1 max # of turns: 1
End behavior: Rises left, rises right End behavior: Falls left, falls right
C. Cubic Functions
i) y=x 3 ii) y=− x3

max # of zeros: 3 max # of zeros: 3


max # of turns: 2 max # of turns: 2
End behavior: Falls left, rises right End behavior: Rises left, falls right

D. Quartic Functions
i) y=x 4 ii) y=− x 4

max # of zeros: 4 max # of zeros: 4


max # of turns: 3 max # of turns: 3
End behavior: Rises left, rises right End behavior: Falls left, falls right

E. Quintic Functions
i) y=x 5 ii) y=− x5

max # of zeros: 5 max # of zeros: 5


max # of turns: 4 max # of turns: 4
End behavior: Falls left, rises right End behavior: Rises left, falls right

 Observe that __________ and ___________ have the same end behavior.

 Observe that __________, __________, and __________ have the same end behavior.

Leading Coefficient Test:


Example 1 Use the Leading Coefficient Test to determine the end behavior of each function.
a) f ( x )=x 3 +3 x 2−x−3 b) f ( x )=−x 4−4 x 2

c) f ( x )=−4 x 3 ( x−1 )2 (x+5) d) f ( x )=2 x 3 ( x−1)(x+ 5)

IV. Zeros of Polynomial Functions


A zero of a function f ( x )=0 is the values of x for which f ( x )=0.
More simply put, zeros (also called roots or solutions) are the ______________________ of the
function.
Example 2 Find the zeros of each polynomial function.
a) f ( x )=x 3 +3 x 2−4 x−12

b) f ( x )=−x 4 +4 x 3−4 x 2

NOTE: If you need to refresh on the methods of factoring, please see Section P.5 in your e-textbook.
V. Multiplicities of Zeros
Consider the function f ( x )=−x 4 +4 x 3−4 x 2 from Example 3(b).
4 3 2
0=−x +4 x −4 x
2 2
0=−x ( x −4 x + 4)
2
0=−x ( x−2)( x−2)

2 2
f ( x )=−x ( x−2 )
The multiplicity of a factor is the number of times that factor
appears in the factorization of a particular function.

 If r is a zero of even multiplicty, then the graph touches the x -axis and __________ around at r .

 If r is a zero of odd multiplicity, then the graph __________ the x -axis at r .

Example 3 Find the zeros of each function. Give the multiplicity of each zero. State whether the
graph crosses the x -axis, or touches the x -axis and turns around at each zero.
1 2
a) f ( x )= ( x +1 ) ( 2 x−3 )
2

Zero Multiplicity Local Behavior


( )
2
1 ( 2
b) f ( x )=−4 x x + x−5 )
2

Zero Multiplicity Local Behavior

VI. Graphing Polynomial Functions

Steps to Graphing a Polynomial Function:


1. Use the Leading Coefficient Test to determine the graph’s end behavior.
2. Find x -intercepts by plugging in a 0 for y and solving for x .

If there is an x -intercept at r as a result of ( x−r )k in the complete factorization of f (x), then

a) If k is even, the graph touches the x -axis at r and turns around.


b) If k is odd, the graph crosses the x -axis at r .
3. Find the y -intercept by plugging in a 0 for x and solving for y .
4. Use symmetry, if applicable, to help draw the graph.
o f (−x ) =f (x )  Symmetry on the y -axis
o f (−x ) =−f (x )  Symmetry on the origin

5. Use the fact that the maximum number of turning points of the graph is n−1, where n is the degree of
the polynomial function, to check whether it is drawn correctly.

Example 4 Graph f ( x )=x 4−2 x 2+1 .


NOTE: On the homework, you may be asked to include
some additional key points on the graph. To do so, simply
plug in some x -values into the function to get out the
corresponding y -value.

Example 5 Graph f ( x )=−2 ( x−1 )2 (x +2)


NOTE: On the homework, you may be asked to include some additional key points on the graph. To do
so, simply plug in some x -values into the function to get out the corresponding y -value.

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