<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >

Key equations

general form of a polynomial function f ( x ) = a n x n + ... + a 2 x 2 + a 1 x + a 0

Key concepts

  • A power function is a variable base raised to a number power. See [link] .
  • The behavior of a graph as the input decreases beyond bound and increases beyond bound is called the end behavior.
  • The end behavior depends on whether the power is even or odd. See [link] and [link] .
  • A polynomial function is the sum of terms, each of which consists of a transformed power function with positive whole number power. See [link] .
  • The degree of a polynomial function is the highest power of the variable that occurs in a polynomial. The term containing the highest power of the variable is called the leading term. The coefficient of the leading term is called the leading coefficient. See [link] .
  • The end behavior of a polynomial function is the same as the end behavior of the power function represented by the leading term of the function. See [link] and [link] .
  • A polynomial of degree n will have at most n x- intercepts and at most n 1 turning points. See [link] , [link] , [link] , [link] , and [link] .

Section exercises

Verbal

Explain the difference between the coefficient of a power function and its degree.

The coefficient of the power function is the real number that is multiplied by the variable raised to a power. The degree is the highest power appearing in the function.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

If a polynomial function is in factored form, what would be a good first step in order to determine the degree of the function?

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

In general, explain the end behavior of a power function with odd degree if the leading coefficient is positive.

As x decreases without bound, so does f ( x ) . As x increases without bound, so does f ( x ) .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

What is the relationship between the degree of a polynomial function and the maximum number of turning points in its graph?

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

What can we conclude if, in general, the graph of a polynomial function exhibits the following end behavior? As x , f ( x ) and as x , f ( x ) .

The polynomial function is of even degree and leading coefficient is negative.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Algebraic

For the following exercises, identify the function as a power function, a polynomial function, or neither.

f ( x ) = ( x 2 ) 3

Power function

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 2 x 2 1

Neither

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = 2 x ( x + 2 ) ( x 1 ) 2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = 3 x + 1

Neither

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

For the following exercises, find the degree and leading coefficient for the given polynomial.

7 2 x 2

Degree = 2, Coefficient = –2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

2 x 2 3 x 5 + x 6  

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

x ( 4 x 2 ) ( 2 x + 1 )

Degree =4, Coefficient = –2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

For the following exercises, determine the end behavior of the functions.

f ( x ) = x 4

As x , f ( x ) , as x , f ( x )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 4

As x , f ( x ) , as x , f ( x )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = 2 x 4 3 x 2 + x 1  

As x , f ( x ) , as x , f ( x )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = 3 x 2 + x 2

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 2 ( 2 x 3 x + 1 )

As x , f ( x ) , as x , f ( x )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

For the following exercises, find the intercepts of the functions.

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

y -intercept is ( 0 , 12 ) , t -intercepts are ( 1 , 0 ) ; ( 2 , 0 ) ; and  ( 3 , 0 ) .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

g ( n ) = −2 ( 3 n 1 ) ( 2 n + 1 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x 4 16

y -intercept is ( 0 , 16 ) . x -intercepts are ( 2 , 0 ) and ( 2 , 0 ) .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = x ( x 2 2 x 8 )

y -intercept is ( 0 , 0 ) . x -intercepts are ( 0 , 0 ) , ( 4 , 0 ) , and ( 2 ,   0 ) .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

f ( x ) = ( x + 3 ) ( 4 x 2 1 )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Graphical

For the following exercises, determine the least possible degree of the polynomial function shown.

Questions & Answers

If c is the cost function for a particular product, find the marginal cost functions and their values at x=10 a. c(x) = 800+ 0.04x + 0.0002x² b. c(x) = 250 + 100x + 0.001x²
Mamush Reply
how can I find set theory
Ephraim Reply
how can I find set theory
Jarvis
is there an error on the one about the dime's thickness? says 2.2x10⁶=0.00135 m
Patrick Reply
hi, interested in algebra
Makan Reply
how to reduce an equation?
Makan
by manipulation of both side
Al
9(y+8)-27 is 9y+45. Why can't you reduce that to y+5? I know that's wrong but can't explain why
Patrick Reply
when you reduce an equation to its simplest terms, you can't change the value of the equation. reducing it to y + 5 is equivalent to dividing it by 9 which changes the value. you can multiply it by 1 or 9/9 which would give 9(y + 5). multiplying it by one does not change the value.
Philip
Given a polynomial expression, factor out the greatest common factor.
Hanu Reply
WHAT IS QUADRATIC EQUATION?
Charles Reply
WHAT IS SYSTEM OF LINEAR INEWUALITIES?
Charles
WHAT IS SYSTEM OF LINEAR INEWUALITIES?
Charles
complex perform
Angel
what is equation?
Charles Reply
what are equations?
Charles
Definition of economics according to karl Marx Thomas malthus Jeremy bentham David Ricardo J.K
Rakiya
Please help me is assignment
Rakiya
The 47th problem of Euclid
Kenneth
show that the set of all natural number form semi group under the composition of addition
Nikhil Reply
what is the meaning
Dominic
explain and give four Example hyperbolic function
Lukman Reply
_3_2_1
felecia
⅗ ⅔½
felecia
_½+⅔-¾
felecia
The denominator of a certain fraction is 9 more than the numerator. If 6 is added to both terms of the fraction, the value of the fraction becomes 2/3. Find the original fraction. 2. The sum of the least and greatest of 3 consecutive integers is 60. What are the valu
SABAL Reply
1. x + 6 2 -------------- = _ x + 9 + 6 3 x + 6 3 ----------- x -- (cross multiply) x + 15 2 3(x + 6) = 2(x + 15) 3x + 18 = 2x + 30 (-2x from both) x + 18 = 30 (-18 from both) x = 12 Test: 12 + 6 18 2 -------------- = --- = --- 12 + 9 + 6 27 3
Pawel
2. (x) + (x + 2) = 60 2x + 2 = 60 2x = 58 x = 29 29, 30, & 31
Pawel
ok
Ifeanyi
on number 2 question How did you got 2x +2
Ifeanyi
combine like terms. x + x + 2 is same as 2x + 2
Pawel
x*x=2
felecia
2+2x=
felecia
×/×+9+6/1
Debbie
Q2 x+(x+2)+(x+4)=60 3x+6=60 3x+6-6=60-6 3x=54 3x/3=54/3 x=18 :. The numbers are 18,20 and 22
Naagmenkoma
Mark and Don are planning to sell each of their marble collections at a garage sale. If Don has 1 more than 3 times the number of marbles Mark has, how many does each boy have to sell if the total number of marbles is 113?
mariel Reply
Mark = x,. Don = 3x + 1 x + 3x + 1 = 113 4x = 112, x = 28 Mark = 28, Don = 85, 28 + 85 = 113
Pawel
how do I set up the problem?
Harshika Reply
what is a solution set?
Harshika
find the subring of gaussian integers?
Rofiqul
hello, I am happy to help!
Shirley Reply
please can go further on polynomials quadratic
Abdullahi
hi mam
Mark
I need quadratic equation link to Alpa Beta
Abdullahi Reply

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