Polynomial Functions Notes
● Polynomial: expression with variables raised to whole-number exponents only
● General form:
● Degree: highest exponent
● Leading coefficient: coefficient of highest-degree term
● Constant term: number without a variable
🟢 End Behavior
Determined by:
● degree (even/odd)
● leading coefficient (+ or −)
Even degree
● Positive coefficient → both ends up
● Negative coefficient → both ends down
Odd degree
● Positive coefficient → left down, right up
● Negative coefficient → left up, right down
🟢 Zeros / Roots / Solutions
● Values where:
f(x)=0
● x-intercepts of the graph
● Polynomial: expression with variables raised to whole-number exponents only
● General form:
● Degree: highest exponent
● Leading coefficient: coefficient of highest-degree term
● Constant term: number without a variable
🟢 End Behavior
Determined by:
● degree (even/odd)
● leading coefficient (+ or −)
Even degree
● Positive coefficient → both ends up
● Negative coefficient → both ends down
Odd degree
● Positive coefficient → left down, right up
● Negative coefficient → left up, right down
🟢 Zeros / Roots / Solutions
● Values where:
f(x)=0
● x-intercepts of the graph
