Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Front

What is the maximum number of turns a polynomial function can have?

Back

A polynomial function of degree n can have at most n-1 turns.

Front

How many extrema can a polynomial function have?

Back

A polynomial function can have at most n extrema, where n is the degree of the polynomial.

Front

What is a relative maximum?

Back

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

Front

What is a relative minimum?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for a polynomial to be in standard form?

Back

A polynomial is in standard form when its terms are arranged in descending order of their degree.

Front

What is an x-intercept?

Back

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

Front

What is another term for x-intercept?

Back

Zero or root.

Front

How do you determine the number of turning points in a polynomial function?

Back

The number of turning points is at most n-1, where n is the degree of the polynomial.

Front

What is the significance of the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial indicates the highest power of the variable and determines the polynomial's end behavior and number of turning points.

Front

What is the difference between increasing and decreasing intervals in a polynomial function?

Back

Increasing intervals are where the function values rise as x increases, while decreasing intervals are where the function values fall as x increases.