Lesson 3.

2 Polynomial Functions and Models

A. What are the characteristics of graphs of polynomial

functions? Video tutorial A-D
1. Polynomial functions are continuous.
This means that the graphs have no breaks, holes, or gaps.
See pg. 195
2. Polynomial functions are smooth.
This means there are no sharp turns, like in the graph of y = |x|.
See pg. 195
You can say that a function is continuous if its graph can be drawn with a pencil
without lifting the pencil from the paper.

B. Even and Odd Functions

If the degree, n, of a function is even, the graph will be similar to the graph of y = x2
If the degree, n, of a function is odd, the graph will be similar to the graph of y = x3.

C. The Leading Coefficient Test

Whether a graph eventually rises or falls can be determined by the functions degree
(odd or even) and by applying the leading coefficient test.
When the degree is odd
The beginning and end behavior is similar to y = x3.
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.
When the degree is even
The beginning and end behavior is similar to y = x2.
If the leading coefficient is positive, the graph rises to the left and rises to
the right.
If the leading coefficient is negative, the graph falls to the left and falls to
the right.

Lesson 3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models

Example: Use the LCT to determine the end behavior

of the function. Sketch.

D. Zeros
If a is a real number, then the following statements are equivalent:
1. x = a is a zero of the function f.
Remember, that zeros are where the graph crosses the x-axis.
2. x = a is a solution of the equation f(x) = 0.
3. (x a) is a factor of the polynomial f(x).
4. (a, 0) is an x-intercept of the graph of f.
Multiplicities:
If a function has a zero that repeats an even number of times (like x = 2 twice), then the
graph will bounce off the zero instead of cross though it.
If a function has a zero that repeats an odd number of times (like x = 2 three times), then
the graph will cross through the zero.

Remember, we
can factor this
polynomial.

-2

2
2

Lesson 3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models

E. Steps for graphing polynomial functions by hand.

1. Use the Leading Coefficient Test to determine end behavior.
Is the degree even or odd?
Is the leading coefficient positive or negative?
Sketch the end behavior
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically.
Factor and set each group equal to zero and solve.
These numbers are the x-intercepts of the graph.
3. Now, plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end-behavior that you found from
the LCT.
4. To find out what happens in between your zeros, you need to plug in a point that is
between each pair of x-intercepts.
Make a table of values
Plug in points that are between each pair of zeros
Plot your points
5. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

Sketch a graph of the polynomial function. Make sure

your graph shows all intercepts and exhibits the proper
end behavior.
a. f ( x) x3 9 x
1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.

5. Plot your points.

6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

Lesson 3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models

b. f x 2 x3 x 2 x
1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.

6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

c. f (t ) x3 3x 2 4 x 12

1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.
6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

Lesson 3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models

d . f x x 4 2 x3 8 x 16
1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Vid#eo tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.

6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

e. f ( x) x 6 2 x3 1

1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.
6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

Lesson 3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models

f .P x 2 x 1 x 1 x 3
1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.
6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

1
2
g. P( x) x x 5
5
1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.
6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

Lesson 3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models

h.P x x 1 x 2
2

1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.

6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.

i.P x x3 x 3 x 4

1. From the Leading Coefficient Test, what is the end behavior?

Video tutorial
2. Find the zeros of the function algebraically. Factor and set
equal to zero.

The zeros are : __________________________________

3. Plot your zeros on the x-axis and sketch the end behavior of
the function that comes from the Leading Coefficient Test.

4. Make a table of values. Plug in points that are between each

pair of zeros.
5. Plot your points.
6. Connect your points in one continuous smooth curve.