Graphing polynomials

End behavior- The behavior of the graph as X

approaches positive or negative infinity.
If the leading coefficient is positive, the
graph will end upward. If the leading
coefficient is negative, The graph will end
downward.
Even degree polynomial- A polynomial which
the highest exponent is an even number. Both
ends of the graph extend in the same
direction.
Odd degree polynomial- a polynomial
function which the highest exponent is an odd
number. One end of the graph will extend
upward and the other will extend downward.
Root- x intercept of a function, also known as
zero.
The maximum number of real roots is equal
to the degree of the polynomial.

Turning point- a point where the graph of the

function changes direction.
The maximum number of turning points is
(n-1). Where n is the degree of the
polynomial.
Ex.1 determine the end behavior, the
maximum number of turning points, and the
maximum number of real roots of the
function.

Ex.2 Determine whether the graph represents

an even degree or odd degree function, and
determine the number of real roots.

Ex.3 create a rough sketch of a possible

graph of the function described.
A. A 9th degree polynomial with a positive
leading coefficient.

B. An 8th degree polynomial with a negative

leading coefficient.

Finding possible roots

Rational root theorem- if a polynomial has
rational roots, then those roots will be a
ratio of the factors of the constant term to
the factors of the leading coefficient.
Irrational root theorem- if

Descartes' Rule of Signs

Finding Roots

Repeated root- is a root that occurs more

than once in a polynomial function.
You can find roots of a polynomial using
synthetic division, long division, factoring,
graphing, quadratic formula, and or by
completing the square.

Finding roots by graphing

Writing Polynomials

Rewrite roots as factors

Rewrite the polynomial as a product of
factors
Multiply the factors to find the polynomial
Complex Conjugate Root Theorem Irrational root theorem-

Testing Roots

If you substitute a possible root into the

original polynomial and the result is zero,
then it is a root.

Determining parts of a polynomial graph

Domain- all possible x values

Range- all possible y values
Maximum- highest point
Minimum- lowest point
Local maximum- relatively highest point
Local minimum- relatively lowest point
X intercept- where the graph crosses the x
axis
Y intercept- where the graph crosses the y
axis.
Interval of increase- domain of increase
Interval of decrease- domain of decrease