MathIsimple

Polynomial Functions & Graphing

Master polynomial function analysis, understand degrees, coefficients, end behavior, turning points, and learn comprehensive graphing techniques.

11th Grade
Functions
~60 min
🎮 Interactive Activity: Polynomial Degree Identifier

Identify the degree of the polynomial function!

Polynomial Function:

f(x) = 3x³ + 2x² - 5x + 1
🎮 Interactive Activity: End Behavior Predictor

Predict the end behavior based on the leading coefficient and degree!

Polynomial Function:

f(x) = x^3 + ...

End Behavior:

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1. Polynomial Function Definition

What is a Polynomial Function?

A polynomial function is a function of the form:

f(x) = aₙxⁿ + aₙ₋₁xⁿ⁻¹ + ... + a₁x + a₀

where n is a non-negative integer and aₙ, aₙ₋₁, ..., a₁, a₀ are real numbers.

Key characteristics:

  • All exponents are non-negative integers
  • No variables in denominators
  • No fractional or negative exponents
  • Finite number of terms
Example 1: Identify Polynomial Functions

f(x) = 3x³ - 2x² + 5x - 1 ✓ Polynomial (degree 3)

g(x) = x⁴ + 7x² - 3 ✓ Polynomial (degree 4)

h(x) = 1/x + 2 ✗ Not a polynomial (variable in denominator)

k(x) = √x + 3 ✗ Not a polynomial (fractional exponent)

Example 2: Standard Form

Write f(x) = 5 - 2x + 3x² in standard form:

Step 1: Arrange terms in descending order of degree

Step 2: f(x) = 3x² - 2x + 5

Standard form: Terms written from highest to lowest degree

2. Degree of a Polynomial
3. Leading Coefficient and Terms
4. End Behavior
5. Turning Points
6. Zeros and x-Intercepts
7. Graphing Polynomial Functions
8. Real-World Applications
Frequently Asked Questions

Practice Time!

Practice Quiz
10
Questions
0
Correct
0%
Score
1
What is the degree of the polynomial f(x) = 4x⁵ - 3x³ + 2x - 1?
2
What is the leading coefficient of f(x) = -2x⁴ + 5x² - 3?
3
For f(x) = 3x³ - 2x + 1, what is the end behavior as x → +∞?
4
How many turning points can a polynomial of degree 4 have at most?
5
What is the y-intercept of f(x) = 2x³ - 5x² + 3x - 7?
6
Which polynomial has an even degree?
7
For a polynomial with degree 6 and negative leading coefficient, what happens as x → -∞?
8
What is the maximum number of real zeros for a polynomial of degree 5?
9
If f(x) = x⁴ - 16, what are the x-intercepts?
10
Which statement about polynomial graphs is always true?