-
Home
- College algebra
- Polynomial and rational functions
- Graphs of polynomial functions
Key concepts
- Polynomial functions of degree 2 or more are smooth, continuous functions. See
[link] .
- To find the zeros of a polynomial function, if it can be factored, factor the function and set each factor equal to zero. See
[link]
,
[link]
, and
[link] .
- Another way to find the
intercepts of a polynomial function is to graph the function and identify the points at which the graph crosses the
axis. See
[link]
.
- The multiplicity of a zero determines how the graph behaves at the
intercepts. See
[link]
.
- The graph of a polynomial will cross the horizontal axis at a zero with odd multiplicity.
- The graph of a polynomial will touch the horizontal axis at a zero with even multiplicity.
- The end behavior of a polynomial function depends on the leading term.
- The graph of a polynomial function changes direction at its turning points.
- A polynomial function of degree
has at most
turning points. See
[link]
.
- To graph polynomial functions, find the zeros and their multiplicities, determine the end behavior, and ensure that the final graph has at most
turning points. See
[link] and
[link]
.
- Graphing a polynomial function helps to estimate local and global extremas. See
[link]
.
- The Intermediate Value Theorem tells us that if
have opposite signs, then there exists at least one value
between
and
for which
See
[link]
.
Section exercises
Verbal
What is the difference between an
intercept and a zero of a polynomial function
The
intercept is where the graph of the function crosses the
axis, and the zero of the function is the input value for which
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Explain how the Intermediate Value Theorem can assist us in finding a zero of a function.
If we evaluate the function at
and at
and the sign of the function value changes, then we know a zero exists between
and
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If the graph of a polynomial just touches the
x -axis and then changes direction, what can we conclude about the factored form of the polynomial?
There will be a factor raised to an even power.
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Algebraic
For the following exercises, find the
or
t -intercepts of the polynomial functions.
For the following exercises, use the Intermediate Value Theorem to confirm that the given polynomial has at least one zero within the given interval.
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Source:
OpenStax, College algebra. OpenStax CNX. Feb 06, 2015 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11759/1.3
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