GUIDED NOTES Lesson 3-4

Intro to Polynomial Functions Name: ______________________ Period: ___

Objective: I can determine the end behavior of a function, if a function is even or odd and use
this information to help me sketch a graph.

The graph of a polynomial function is ______________, (meaning it can be drawn without

lifting the pencil off the page).
End Behaviors - Refers the direction the arrows point at the start and at the end of the graph.

EVEN-degree FUNCTION ODD-degree FUNCTION

Leading Coefficient: POSITIVE Leading Coefficient: POSITIVE

End Behavior: End Behavior:

Domain: Range: Domain: Range:

EVEN-degree FUNCTION ODD-degree FUNCTION

Leading Coefficient: NEGATIVE Leading Coefficient: NEGATIVE

End Behavior: End Behavior:

Domain: Range: Domain: Range:

EXAMPLE: Describe the end behavior. State the domain and range.

f(x) = -x5 + 4x3 5x 2 g(x) = 2x3 + x2 x 2 h(x) = -3x4 + x3 + 2x2

REAL ZEROS Remember, zeros are where the graph crosses/touches the x-axis (as in x = ___) (___________)
Odd-degree functions have odd number of real zeros / Even-degree functions have an even number of real
zeros.

EXAMPLES:
Degree: Degree:

End Behavior: End Behavior:

Zeros: Zeros:

Domain: Range: Domain: Range:

SKETCHING QUICK GRAPHS - End behaviors, zeros, and degrees help us sketch quick graphs!!

EXAMPLES: Sketch the graph of the polynomial functions with the following characteristics.

A) an odd function with zeros at -3, 2, and 4

with a positive leading coefficient

B) an even function with

zeros at -3, -1, 1, 3
with a negative
leading coefficient

C) an odd function with zeros -5, -2, 0, 1, 3

that starts in quadrant II.