Graphing Polynomials

The roots of a polynomial function, p(x), are the solutions of the equation p(x)=0. Another name for the roots of a function is zeros of a function because at each root, the value of the function is zero. The real roots (or zeros) of a function have the same value as the x-values of the x-intercepts of its graph because the -intercepts are the points where the y-value of the function is zero.

Sometimes roots can be found by factoring and solving for p(x)=0.

Can a polynomial of n degree have fewer than n number of roots?

• EVEN DEGREE ---Both arrows are in the same direction. They point up if the leading coefficient is positive and down id the leading coefficient is negative.

• ODD DEGREE--- Arrows are having opposite direction. One is pointing up and one is pointing down. The lead coefficient is positive if the graph is going up if you trace them from left to right.

ODD/NEGATIVE

When the y-values of a graph get very large as the x-values get large, the graph has positive orientation. When the y-values of a graph get very small as the x-values get large, the graph has negative orientation.

You can use a number line to represent the -values for which a polynomial graph is above or below the x-axis. The bold parts of each number line below show where the output values of a polynomial function are positive. That is, where the graph is above the x-axis. The open circles show locations of the -intercepts or roots of the function. Where there is no shading, the value of the function is negative. Write a possible equation.

You can use a number line to represent the -values for which a polynomial graph is above or below the x-axis. The bold parts of each number line below show where the output values of a polynomial function are positive. That is, where the graph is above the x-axis. The open circles show locations of the -intercepts or roots of the function. Where there is no shading, the value of the function is negative. Write a possible equation.