Polynomial functions have Circle all of the polynomial functions.

terms with variable bases a(x) = 9x10 – 3x7 + 6x3 – x2 + 10x – 1

and positive whole
number exponents. b(x) = 15x + 3 d(x) = 4x–2 – 7x–5
c(x) = Sin(x + 4) e(x) = 3x + 2

Polynomial Functions
HELPFUL HINT
Writing the terms in order Classify this
from highest exponent to
lowest makes it easier to
polynomial by its
Means the same thing as y. The highest exponent
Does not mean F times x! in the polynomial.
identify the degree and degree.
leading coefficient.
Constant (0)
Linear (1)
Quadratic (2)
Cubic (3)
Quartic (4)
Quintic (5)
Sextic (6)
Classify this polynomial by the Septic (7)
number of terms. Octic (8)
The coefficient of the term with the Monomial (1) Trinomial (3) Nonic (9)
highest exponent. Decic (10)
Binomial (2) Polynomial

For each of the following, state the

degree, leading coefficient, and type Polynomial
of function. The function k(x) is a functions with only
quintic trinomial. one term are
f(x) = 10x8 sometimes called
Write one possible
POWER
equation of k(x).
FUNCTIONS.

k(x) = Write an equation of

g(x) = –3x + 18 a power function
that is a septic
function with a
negative leading
h(x) = 14x9 – 3x7 + x10 – x3 coefficient.

m(x) =
 Rules for Evaluating Polynomial Expressions
 Take the number in the function notation bracket and substitute it
into the expression everywhere you see an x.
 You must use a bracket around the number if you are substituting a
fraction or a negative number into the expression.
 Evaluate using Order of Operations (BEDMAS) or a scientific
calculator.

For the function f(x) = 2x3 – 15x2 + 7, evaluate each of the following:

a) f(5) b) f(–3)

 1
c) f(0) + f(1) d) f  
3
 Polynomial Functions Practice
Complete the following questions on a separate piece of lined paper.

K1. For the function a(x) = 10x4 – x3 + 3x2 – 15

a) State the degree, leading coefficient, and type of function.
b) Evaluate a(6).
c) Evaluate a(-7).
d) Evaluate a(½).
e) Evaluate a(2) – a(0).

C2. Determine whether the following statement is true or false. Explain your reasoning.

The function b(x) = 19x2 + 40x3 + 8 is a quadratic trinomial.

Polynomial Functions Practice

Complete the following questions on a separate piece of lined paper.

K1. For the function a(x) = 10x4 – x3 + 3x2 – 15

a) State the degree, leading coefficient, and type of function.
b) Evaluate a(6).
c) Evaluate a(-7).
d) Evaluate a(½).
e) Evaluate a(2) – a(0).

C2. Determine whether the following statement is true or false. Explain your reasoning.

The function b(x) = 19x2 + 40x3 + 8 is a quadratic trinomial.

A3. The height of a ball after it is thrown is shown by the equation h(t) = –4.8t2 + 15.1t + 1.7,
where h is the height of the ball above the ground (in metres) and t is the time since the
ball was thrown (in seconds).
a) Determine the height of the ball 3 seconds after it was thrown.
b) Determine the initial height of the ball.

P4. The function f(x) = 15x? – 8x10 has a negative leading coefficient. Fill in one possible
value for the missing exponent. Explain your reasoning.

ANSWERS:
−55
1a] Degree: 4; Leading Coefficient: 10; Type: Quartic Polynomial 1b] 12837 1c] 24485 1d] 1e] 164
4
2] False. The function has three terms, which makes it a trinomial, but the highest exponent is a 3, which makes it cubic and
not quadratic. 3a] 3.8 m 3b] 1.7 m 4] Any number between 0 – 9. If the leading coefficient is negative, that means
that –8x10 must have the highest exponent.

A3. The height of a ball after it is thrown is shown by the equation h(t) = –4.8t2 + 15.1t + 1.7,
where h is the height of the ball above the ground (in metres) and t is the time since the
ball was thrown (in seconds).
a) Determine the height of the ball 3 seconds after it was thrown.
b) Determine the initial height of the ball.

P4. The function f(x) = 15x? – 8x10 has a negative leading coefficient. Fill in one possible
value for the missing exponent. Explain your reasoning.

ANSWERS:
−55
1a] Degree: 4; Leading Coefficient: 10; Type: Quartic Polynomial 1b] 12837 1c] 24485 1d] 1e] 164
4
2] False. The function has three terms, which makes it a trinomial, but the highest exponent is a 3, which makes it cubic and
not quadratic. 3a] 3.8 m 3b] 1.7 m 4] Any number between 0 – 9. If the leading coefficient is negative, that means
that –8x10 must have the highest exponent.