5.2 Evaluate and Graph Polynomial Functions
The degree of the polynomial. A polynomial function is a function of the form: This is called the lead coefficient. The constant term All the exponents are whole numbers.
Here is a summary of common types of polynomial functions. Degree Type Standard Form Constant 1 Linear 2 Quadratic 3 Cubic 4 Quartic
Recall to evaluate a polynomial you could use direct substitution. For example evaluate: when x = 3. Here is another way to evaluate a polynomial function called synthetic substitution: 2 0 -8 5 -7 3 x-value ADD 105 6 18 30 10 35 98 6 Mult. By 3 2 f(3)=98
Use synthetic substitution to evaluate the polynomial at the given value. Check your result by direct substitution.
Here are 4 graphs: Notice for each as: and We call this the “end behavior” of a polynomial function; that is the value (y) of a function as x approached positive infinity and negative infinity.
Here are 4 more graphs: Notice again for each as: and We call this the “end behavior” of a polynomial function; that is the value (y) of a function as x approached positive infinity and negative infinity.
n even n odd For polynomial functions: The end behavior is determined by the lead coefficient and degree. n even n odd