UNIT 1 – POLYNOMIALS!!!

Chapter 1 – Polynomial Functions

1.1 – POWER FUNCTIONS

WARM-UP:Which of the following functions are
polynomials? Justify your answer.
a) b)

c) d)
Introduction to Polynomial Functions
● Up to now, you’ve studied two polynomial
functions in detail. Namely, these are the
linear and quadratic polynomial functions.
● Linear: y = ax + b
● Quadratic: y = ax2 + bx + c

● How to Recognize a Polynomial Function:

● Exponents are whole numbers
● May not be written in rational form unless the
denominator is a constant value
● Exponents must be constants, not variables
 Definition: Polynomial Function
● Polynomial functions are functions that may
be written in the form:

Where:
xεℜ
an to a0 are real numbers (an ≠ 0)
an is the leading coefficient
a0 is the constant term
n is a whole number

The degree of the polynomial function is n , the

exponent of the greatest power of x
 Polynomial Functions
EXAMPLE 1: Consider the function below.

a) What is the constant term?

b) What is the leading coefficient?

c) What is the degree of this function?

 Polynomial Functions
EXAMPLE 1: Consider the function below.

a) What is the constant term?

b) What is the leading coefficient?

c) What is the degree of this function?

Rearrange the equation first…

 Some Terminology…
● LINE SYMMETRY
A graph has line symmetry if there
is a vertical line x = a that divides
the graph into two parts such that
each part is a reflection of the
other in the line x = a .

● POINT SYMMETRY
A graph has point symmetry about a
point (a, b) if each part of the graph
on one side of (a, b) can be rotated
1800 to coincide with the part of the
graph on the other side of (a, b)
 Definition: Power Functions
● A power function is a polynomial function of
the form

where n is a whole number.

● Power functions are single-term polynomial

functions

● Power functions have similar characteristics

depending on whether their degree is even or
odd.
 Graphs of Power Functions
Consider the following power functions…
 Even-Degree Power Functions
Describe how the graphs of even-degree power functions
are similar.
Consider the following:
Domain
Range
Intercepts
Symmetry
End behaviour
 Odd-Degree Power Functions
Describe how the graphs of odd-degree power functions
are similar.
Consider the following:
Domain
Range
Intercepts
Symmetry
End behaviour
 Conclusions

● Even-degree Power Functions

Domain: All real numbers
Range: Restricted (Depends on direction of opening)
Symmetry: Line symmetry in the y-axis, x = 0.
End Behaviour: Same end-behaviour

● Odd-degree Power Functions

Domain: All real numbers
Range: All real numbers (continues in both directions)
Symmetry: Point symmetry about the origin, (0, 0)
End Behaviour: Opposite end-behaviour
 Power Functions
EXAMPLE 1: Consider each graph below.
a) b)

i) Does it represent a function of even-degree or

odd-degree? Explain.
ii) State the sign of the leading coefficient. Justify.
iii) State the domain and range.
iv) Identify any symmetry.
v) Describe the end behaviour.
 Power Functions
EXAMPLE 2:
Complete the table for the following functions.

End Behaviour Function Reasons

Extends from quadrant 3 to quadrant 1

Extends from quadrant 2 to quadrant 4

Extends from quadrant 2 to quadrant 1

Extends from quadrant 3 to quadrant 4

 Interval Notation
The features of a graph are often described in
relation to real-number values.
Sets of real numbers may be described in one of
three ways…
Inequality
Interval Notation
.
Graphically (Number Line)

NOTE: In interval notation…

ROUND brackets indicate that the end value is NOT included
in the interval
SQUARE brackets indicate that the end value IS included
Round brackets are used for and since they are
not defined values. (Infinity means “without bound”)
 Interval Notation
EXAMPLES:
Rewrite the following in interval notation
a)

b)

c)

d) .

e)
 HomeFUN!!! ☺
• Advanced Functions 12 Textbook!
• Pages 11 – 14
# C3, C4, 1 – 5, 7, 12, 16ab