3.5 Higher – Degree Polynomial Functions and Graphs

1. 3.5 Higher – Degree Polynomial Functions and Graphs

2. Polynomial Function Definition: A polynomial function of degree n in the variable x is a function defined by Where each ai(0 ≤ i ≤ n-1) is a real number, an ≠ 0, and n is a whole number. What’s the domain of a polynomial function? P(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + … + a1x + a0

3. Get to know a polynomial function P(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + … + a1x + a0 an : Leading coefficient a0 : Constant term anxn : Dominating term

4. Cubic Functions P(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d (a) (b) (c) (d)

5. Quartic Functions P(x) = ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e (a) (b) (c) (d)

6. Extrema • Turning points: points where the function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. • Local maximum point: the highest point at a peak. The corresponding function values are called local maxima. • Local minimum point: the lowest point at a valley. The corresponding function values are called local minima. • Extrema: either local maxima or local minima.

7. Absolute and Local Extrema • Let c be in the domain of P. Then (a) P(c) is an absolute maximum if P(c) ≥ P(x) for all x in the domain of P. (b) P(c) is an absolute minimum if P(c) ≤ P(x) for all x in the domain of P. (c) P(c) is an local maximum if P(c) ≥ P(x) when x is near c. (d) P(c) is an local minimum if P(c) ≤ P(x) when x is near c.

8. Example Local minimum point Local minimum point Local minimum point Local minimum point Local minimum & Absolute minimum point A function can only have one and only one absolute minimum of maximum

9. Hidden behavior Hidden behavior of a polynomial function is the function behaviors which are not apparent in a particular window of the calculator.

10. Number of Turning Points • The number of turning points of the graph of a polynomial function of degree n ≥ 1 is at most n – 1. • Example: f(x) = x f(x) = x2 f(x) = x3

11. End Behavior • Definition: The end behavior of a polynomial function is the increasing of decreasing property of the function when its independent variable reaches to ∞ or - ∞ • The end behavior of the graph of a polynomial function is determined by the sign of the leading coefficient and the parity of the degree.

12. End Behavior

13. example • Determining end behavior Given the Polynomial f(x) = x4 –x2 +5x -4

14. X – Intercepts (Real Zeros) • Theorem: The graph of a polynomial function of degree n will have at most n x-intercepts (real zeros). • Example: P(x) = x3 + 5x2 +5x -2

15. Comprehensive Graphs • A comprehensive graph of a polynomial function will exhibit the following features: 1. all x-intercept (if any) 2. the y-intercept 3. all extreme points(if any)4. enough of the graph to reveal the correct end behavior

16. example • 1. f(x) = 2x3 – x2 -2 • 2. f(x) = -2x3 - 14x2 + 2x + 84 a) what is the degree? b) Describe the end behavior of the graph. c) What is the y-intercept? d) Find any local/absolute maximum value(s). ... local/absolute maximum points. [repeat for minimums] e) Approximate any values of x for which f(x) = 0

17. Homework • PG. 210: 10-50(M5), 60, 63 • KEY: 25, 60 • Reading: 3.6 Polynomial Fncs (I)