Polynomial Functions and Graphs Weebly多项式函数和图形 Weebly.pptVIP

Mrs.Volynskaya Pre-Calulus Ch.2.2Higher 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. Polynomial Functions The largest exponent within the polynomial determines the degree of the polynomial. Polynomial Function in General Form Degree Name of Function 1 Linear 2 Quadratic 3 Cubic 4 Quartic Polynomial Functions f(x) = 3 ConstantFunction Degree = 0 Maximum Number of Zeros: 0 f(x) = x + 2 LinearFunction Degree = 1 Maximum Number of Zeros: 1 Polynomial Functions f(x) = x2 + 3x + 2 QuadraticFunction Degree = 2 Maximum Number of Zeros: 2 Polynomial Functions f(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 2 Cubic Function Degree = 3 Maximum Number of Zeros: 3 Polynomial Functions Quartic Function Degree = 4 Maximum Number of Zeros: 4 Polynomial Functions 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. 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 0 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 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 0 an 0 If the leading coefficient