1. Polynomial Functions and Graphs

2. Higher Degree Polynomial Functions and Graphs
an is called the leading coefficient
n is the degree of the polynomial
a0 is called the constant term
Polynomial Function
A polynomial function of degree n in the variable x is a function defined by
where each ai is real, an  0, and n is a whole number.

3. Polynomial Function in General Form
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial Function in General Form
Degree
Name of Function 1
Linear 2
Quadratic 3
Cubic 4
Quartic
Teachers: This definition for ‘degree’ has been simplified intentionally to help students understand the concept quickly and easily.
The largest exponent within the polynomial determines the degree of the polynomial.

4. Maximum Number of Zeros: 0
Polynomial Functions
f(x) = 3
ConstantFunction
Degree = 0
Maximum Number of Zeros: 0

5. Maximum Number of Zeros: 1
Polynomial Functions
f(x) = x + 2
LinearFunction
Degree = 1
Maximum Number of Zeros: 1

6. Maximum Number of Zeros: 2
Polynomial Functions
f(x) = x2 + 3x + 2
QuadraticFunction
Degree = 2
Maximum Number of Zeros: 2

7. Maximum Number of Zeros: 3
Polynomial Functions
f(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 2
Cubic Function
Degree = 3
Maximum Number of Zeros: 3

8. Maximum Number of Zeros: 4
Polynomial Functions
Quartic Function
Degree = 4
Maximum Number of Zeros: 4

9. Leading Coefficient
The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the first term in a polynomial when the terms are written in descending order by degrees.
For example, the quartic function
f(x) = -2x4 + x3 – 5x2 – 10 has a leading coefficient of -2.

10. The Leading Coefficient Test
As x increases or decreases without bound, the graph of the polynomial function
f (x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 +…+ a1x + a0 (an ¹ 0)
eventually rises or falls. In particular,
For n odd: an > an < 0
If the leading coefficient is positive, the graph falls to the left and rises to the right.
If the leading coefficient is negative, the graph rises to the left and falls to the right.
Rises right
Falls left
Falls right
Rises left

11. The Leading Coefficient Test
As x increases or decreases without bound, the graph of the polynomial function
f (x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 +…+ a1x + a0 (an ¹ 0)
eventually rises or falls. In particular,
For n even: an > an < 0
If the leading coefficient is positive, the graph rises to the left and to the right.
If the leading coefficient is negative, the graph falls to the left and to the right.
Rises right
Rises left
Falls left
Falls right

12. Example
Use the Leading Coefficient Test to determine the end behavior of the graph of f (x) = x3 + 3x2 - x - 3.
Falls left y
Rises right x

13. Determining End Behavior
Match each function with its graph. B. A. C. D.

14. Summary Look at the two graphs and discuss the questions given below.
Graph B
Graph A
1. How can you check to see if both graphs are functions?
2. How many x-intercepts do graphs A & B have?
3. What is the end behavior for each graph?
4. Which graph do you think has a positive leading coeffient? Why?
5. Which graph do you think has a negative leading coefficient? Why?