Polynomial Characteristics

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables (or indeterminates) raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial expression.

Front

What is a maximum point on a graph?

Back

A maximum point is a point on the graph of a function where the function value is greater than the values of the function at nearby points.

Front

What is a minimum point on a graph?

Back

A minimum point is a point on the graph of a function where the function value is less than the values of the function at nearby points.

Front

What does it mean for a graph to be increasing?

Back

A graph is increasing on an interval if, as you move from left to right, the function values rise.

Front

What does it mean for a graph to be decreasing?

Back

A graph is decreasing on an interval if, as you move from left to right, the function values fall.

Front

What is a relative maximum?

Back

A relative maximum is a point where the function value is higher than the values of the function at nearby points, but not necessarily the highest overall.

Front

What is a relative minimum?

Back

A relative minimum is a point where the function value is lower than the values of the function at nearby points, but not necessarily the lowest overall.

Front

What is an absolute maximum?

Back

An absolute maximum is the highest point over the entire domain of the function.

Front

What is an absolute minimum?

Back

An absolute minimum is the lowest point over the entire domain of the function.