Characteristics of Polynomial Functions--Review

Front

What is a polynomial function?

Back

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

Front

What does the leading coefficient of a polynomial indicate?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial. It affects the end behavior of the graph of the polynomial.

Front

What is the multiplicity of a zero?

Back

Front

How do you find the x-intercepts of a polynomial function?

Back

Front

What is the relationship between the degree of a polynomial and its number of zeros?

Back

Front

What is an even degree polynomial?

Back

An even degree polynomial is a polynomial where the highest power of the variable is even. Its graph will have the same end behavior on both sides (either both up or both down).

Front

What is an odd degree polynomial?

Back

An odd degree polynomial is a polynomial where the highest power of the variable is odd. Its graph will have opposite end behavior (one side up and the other side down).

Front

What does a positive leading coefficient indicate about the graph of a polynomial?

Back

A positive leading coefficient indicates that the graph of the polynomial will rise to the right. For even degree polynomials, it will also rise to the left.

Front

What does a negative leading coefficient indicate about the graph of a polynomial?

Back

A negative leading coefficient indicates that the graph of the polynomial will fall to the right. For even degree polynomials, it will also fall to the left.