<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >

Access the following online resource for additional instruction and practice with graphing 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 x - intercepts of a polynomial function is to graph the function and identify the points at which the graph crosses the x - axis. See [link] .
  • The multiplicity of a zero determines how the graph behaves at the x - 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 n has at most n 1 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 n 1 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 f ( a )   and   f ( b ) have opposite signs, then there exists at least one value c between a and b for which f ( c ) = 0. See [link] .

Section exercises

Verbal

What is the difference between an x - intercept and a zero of a polynomial function f ?

The x - intercept is where the graph of the function crosses the x - axis, and the zero of the function is the input value for which f ( x ) = 0.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

If a polynomial function of degree n has n distinct zeros, what do you know about the graph of the function?

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Explain how the Intermediate Value Theorem can assist us in finding a zero of a function.

If we evaluate the function at a and at b and the sign of the function value changes, then we know a zero exists between a and b .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Explain how the factored form of the polynomial helps us in graphing it.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

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.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Algebraic

For the following exercises, find the x - or t -intercepts of the polynomial functions.

C ( t ) = 2 ( t 4 ) ( t + 1 ) ( t 6 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

C ( t ) = 3 ( t + 2 ) ( t 3 ) ( t + 5 )

( 2 , 0 ) , ( 3 , 0 ) , ( 5 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

C ( t ) = 4 t ( t 2 ) 2 ( t + 1 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

C ( t ) = 2 t ( t 3 ) ( t + 1 ) 2

( 3 , 0 ) , ( 1 , 0 ) , ( 0 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

C ( t ) = 2 t 4 8 t 3 + 6 t 2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

C ( t ) = 4 t 4 + 12 t 3 40 t 2

( 0 , 0 ) ,   ( 5 , 0 ) ,   ( 2 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 4 x 2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 3 + x 2 20 x

( 0 , 0 ) ,   ( 5 , 0 ) ,   ( 4 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 3 + 6 x 2 7 x

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 3 + x 2 4 x 4

( 2 , 0 ) ,   ( 2 , 0 ) ,   ( 1 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 3 + 2 x 2 9 x 18

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = 2 x 3 x 2 8 x + 4

( 2 , 0 ) , ( 2 , 0 ) , ( 1 2 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 6 7 x 3 8

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = 2 x 4 + 6 x 2 8

( 1 , 0 ) ,   ( 1 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 3 3 x 2 x + 3

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 6 2 x 4 3 x 2

( 0 , 0 ) , ( 3 , 0 ) , ( 3 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 6 3 x 4 4 x 2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 5 5 x 3 + 4 x

( 0 , 0 ) ,   ( 1 , 0 ) ( 1 , 0 ) ,   ( 2 , 0 ) ,   ( 2 , 0 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

For the following exercises, use the Intermediate Value Theorem to confirm that the given polynomial has at least one zero within the given interval.

f ( x ) = x 3 9 x , between x = −4 and x = −2.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 3 9 x , between x = 2 and x = 4.

f ( 2 ) = 10 and f ( 4 ) = 28. Sign change confirms.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Questions & Answers

what are components of cells
ofosola Reply
twugzfisfjxxkvdsifgfuy7 it
Sami
58214993
Sami
what is a salt
John
the difference between male and female reproduction
John
what is computed
IBRAHIM Reply
what is biology
IBRAHIM
what is the full meaning of biology
IBRAHIM
what is biology
Jeneba
what is cell
Kuot
425844168
Sami
what is cytoplasm
Emmanuel Reply
structure of an animal cell
Arrey Reply
what happens when the eustachian tube is blocked
Puseletso Reply
what's atoms
Achol Reply
discuss how the following factors such as predation risk, competition and habitat structure influence animal's foraging behavior in essay form
Burnet Reply
cell?
Kuot
location of cervical vertebra
KENNEDY Reply
What are acid
Sheriff Reply
define biology infour way
Happiness Reply
What are types of cell
Nansoh Reply
how can I get this book
Gatyin Reply
what is lump
Chineye Reply
what is cell
Maluak Reply
what is biology
Maluak
what is vertibrate
Jeneba
what's cornea?
Majak Reply
what are cell
Achol
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply
Practice Key Terms 4

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, College algebra. OpenStax CNX. Feb 06, 2015 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11759/1.3
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'College algebra' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask