GRADE 10 MATHEMATICS

GRAPHS OF POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Zero Function
The graph of a zero function is a straight-line coinciding or overlapping the x –
axis. It is defined by f(x) = 0 or y = 0.
2. Constant Function
The graph of a constant function is a straight line parallel to the x – axis. It is
defined by f(x) = k or y = k, where k is a constant.
When k is a positive value, the line parallel to the axis is located above, otherwise
when k is a negative value, the line parallel to the axis is located below.
3. Identity Function
The graph of an identity function is a diagonal line dividing the first and the third
quadrants and passes through the origin. It is defined by f(x) = x or y = x, where x is any
real number.
4. Absolute Value Function
The graph of an absolute value function looks like a letter V, either vertically or
horizontally. It is defined by f(x) = /x/ or y = /x/, where x is any integer.
5. Greatest Integer Function
The graph of a greatest integer function looks like a series of line segments,
sometimes a series of steps of a ladder that’s why it is called Step Function. It is defined
by f(x) = [[x]], where x is any integer.
6. Linear Function
The graph of a linear function is a diagonal line. It is defined by f(x) = mx + b or
y = mx + b, where m and b are constants, and m ≠ 0.
7. Quadratic Function
The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. It is defined by f(x) = ax2 + bx +
c or y = ax2 + bx + c, where a and b are numerical coefficients of x and c is a constant,
and a ≠ 0.
When the value of a is a positive constant, the parabola is opening upward,
otherwise when the value of a is a negative constant, the parabola is opening downward.
8. Polynomial Function
The graph of a polynomial function is a smooth curve. It is defined by P(x) = y =
f(x) = an xn + an – 1 xn – 1 + . . . + a1x + a0, where an. an – 1, . . . , a1. a0 are constants, an ≠
0, and the exponents of the variable x are nonnegative integers.

Examples: Sketch/draw/construct the graph of each function given.

1. y = 0, where x = – 3, – 1, 0, 2, 4

2. y = – 4, where x = – 4, – 2, 0, 1, 3

3. y = x, where x = – 5, – 3, 0, 2, 4

4. y = /x/, where x = – 2, – 1, 0 , 1, 2

5. y = [[x]], where – 5 < x ≤ – 4

6. y = 5x – 4, where x = – 3, – 1, 0, 2, 4

7. y = 3x2 – 2x + 1, where x = – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2

8. y = 4x3 – 3x2 + 2x – 1, where x = – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2

Steps in graphing a function given

1. Make a table of values for x and y.

2. Plot the ordered pairs or points using Cartesian plane, and label each point.

3. Connect the points from the first one to the last one. Label the graph with the
function given.

Prepared by: Mr. Hilario C. Mongado