EVALUATING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

A polynomial function is a function of the form

f (x) = an x nn + an 1 x nn1 1 + a 1 x + a 0 a 0 + n Where an 0 and the exponents are all whole numbers. n 0
For this polynomial function, ann is the a constant term a a 00 is the constant term, and n is the n leading coefficient leading coefficient, degree degree.

A polynomial function is in standard form if its terms are descending order of exponents from left to right. written in descending order of exponents from left to right.

EVALUATING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

You are already familiar with some types of polynomial functions. Here is a summary of common types of polynomial functions.
Degree 0 1 2 3 4 Type Constant Linear Quadratic Cubic Quartic f (x) = a 0 f (x) = a1x + a 0 f (x) = a 2 x 2 + a 1 x + a 0 f (x) = a 3 x 3 + a 2 x 2 + a 1 x + a 0 f (x) = a4 x 4 + a 3 x 3 + a 2 x 2 + a 1 x + a 0 Standard Form

Identifying Polynomial Functions

Decide whether the function is a polynomial function. If it is, write the function in standard form and state its degree, type and leading coefficient.

f (x) =

1 2 x 3x4 7 2

SOLUTION The function is a polynomial function. Its standard form is f (x) = 3x 4 + 1 2 x 7. 2

It has degree 4, so it is a quartic function. The leading coefficient is 3.

Identifying Polynomial Functions

Decide whether the function is a polynomial function. If it is, write the function in standard form and state its degree, type and leading coefficient.

f (x) = x 3 + 3 x
SOLUTION The function is not a polynomial function because the x term 3 does not have a variable base and an exponent that is a whole number.

Identifying Polynomial Functions

Decide whether the function is a polynomial function. If it is, write the function in standard form and state its degree, type and leading coefficient.

f (x) = 6x 2 + 2 x 1 + x
SOLUTION The function is not a polynomial function because the term 2x 1 has an exponent that is not a whole number.

Identifying Polynomial Functions

Decide whether the function is a polynomial function. If it is, write the function in standard form and state its degree, type and leading coefficient.

f (x) = 0.5 x + x 2
SOLUTION

The function is a polynomial function. Its standard form is f (x) = x2 0.5x It has degree 2, so it is a quadratic function. The leading coefficient is . 2.

Identifying Polynomial Functions

Polynomial function?

f (x) = 1 x 2 3 x 4 7 2 f (x) = x 3 + 3x f (x) = 6x2 + 2 x 1 + x f (x) = 0.5x + x2

2

Using Synthetic Substitution

One way to evaluate polynomial functions is to use direct substitution. Another way to evaluate a polynomial is to use synthetic substitution.

Use synthetic division to evaluate

f (x) = 2 x 4 + 8 x 2 + 5 x 7 when x = 3.

Using Synthetic Substitution

SOLUTION

2 x 4 + 0 x 3 + (8 x 2) + 5 x + (7)
Polynomial Polynomial inin standard form standard form

33

0 6

8 18 10

5 30 35

7
Coefficients

105 98

x-value

The value of (3) is the last number you write, The value of ff(3) is the last number you write, In the bottom right-hand corner. In the bottom right-hand corner.

GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

The end behavior of a polynomial functions graph is the behavior of the graph as x approaches infinity (+ ) or negative infinity ( ). The expression x + is read as x approaches positive infinity.

GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

END BEHAVIOR

GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

CONCEPT SUMMARY

END BEHAVIOR FOR POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

an >0 >0 <0 <0

n even odd even odd

+ +

+ + +

f (x) f (x) f (x) f (x)

f (x) f (x) f (x) f (x)

Graphing Polynomial Functions

Graph f (x) = x 3 + x 2 4 x 1.
SOLUTION To graph the function, make a table of values and plot the corresponding points. Connect the points with a smooth curve and check the end behavior.
x 3 2 1 0 1 2 The degree is odd and the leading coefficient is positive, 3 3 as3x 23 + + (x) so f (x)f(x) 7 as x 3 3 and f1

Graphing Polynomial Functions

Graph f (x) = x 4 2x 3 + 2x 2 + 4x.

SOLUTION To graph the function, make a table of values and plot the corresponding points. Connect the points with a smooth curve and check the end behavior.
x 0 1 2 3 The degree 3even2 the leading coefficient is negative, is and 1 f (x) 21 as x 0 0 1 and f (x) 3 16 x 105 + as so f (x)

Assignment