Polynomial Graphs Key Features

Front

What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial.

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial has a positive leading coefficient?

Back

If a polynomial has a positive leading coefficient, the graph of the polynomial will rise to the right.

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial has a negative leading coefficient?

Back

If a polynomial has a negative leading coefficient, the graph of the polynomial will fall to the right.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the degree being even in a polynomial?

Back

If the degree of a polynomial is even, the ends of the graph will point in the same direction.

Front

What is the significance of the degree being odd in a polynomial?

Back

If the degree of a polynomial is odd, the ends of the graph will point in opposite directions.

Front

What is a constant term in a polynomial?

Back

The constant term is the term in a polynomial that does not contain any variables.

Front

How does the sign of the constant term affect the graph of a polynomial?

Back

If the constant term is positive, the graph will intersect the y-axis above the origin; if negative, below.

Front

What is an x-intercept of a polynomial?

Back

An x-intercept is a point where the graph of the polynomial crosses the x-axis.

Front

What does an x-intercept at (-1,0) indicate about the polynomial's factors?

Back

An x-intercept at (-1,0) indicates that (x+1) is a factor of the polynomial.