Name: __________________________Date: __________

Grade: _____________________ Section: ___________

Activity 2.2 Graph of Polynomial Functions

Learning Competency: The learner understands, describes
and interprets the graphs polynomial functions. M10AL-
IIa-b-1

What I Need to Do
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
1. describe the behavior of the graph using the Leading Coefficient Test.
2. identify the number of turning points and the behavior of the graph based
on the multiplicity of zeros.
3. Interpret the graph of a given polynomial functions.
4. Value accumulated knowledge as means of new understanding.

Review: Activity 1
Direction: Give the degree and the leading coefficient of the following polynomials.
Tell whether the degree is even or odd and whether the leading coefficient is less than
or greater than 0.

Degree: Leading
𝒂𝒏 > 𝟎 𝒐𝒓
Polynomial Functions Degree Odd or Coefficient
𝒂𝒏 < 𝟎
Even (𝒂𝒏 )
1. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12
2. 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟓 + 𝟑𝒙𝟒 + 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟕𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒
3. 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟒 − 𝟕𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙
4. 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙 − 𝟐𝟒

Drill: Activity 2
Direction: Below are the graph of the polynomial functions above. Indicate the
behavior of the graph with respect to the left hand or right hand, whether it is falling
or rising.

1. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 2. 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟓 + 𝟑𝒙𝟒 + 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟕𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒

Lefthand:__________________ Lefthand: __________________
Righthand:________________ Righthand:_________________

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 3. 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟒 − 𝟕𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 4. 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙 − 𝟐𝟒
Lefthand:__________________ Lefthand:___________________
Righthand:________________ Righthand:_________________
Guide Questions:
1. What have you noticed of the graph of the polynomial function if the degree is
odd number?
2. How about if the degree is an even number?
3. If the degree is an odd number, will the leading coefficient affect the graph of
the function?
4. If the degree is an even number, will the leading coefficient affect the graph of
the function?
5. When can you say that a polynomial function has a graph of falling on the
lefthand and rising on the righthand?
6. How about a function whose graphs are either rising or falling on both hands?

Gearing Up

Concept A

THE LEADING COEFFICIENT TEST

Leading Behavior of the

Coefficient: Degree: Graph:
Possible
𝒂𝒏 > 𝟎 𝒐𝒓
Even Rising or Falling
Sketch Behavior of the graph
or Odd Left Right
𝒂𝒏 < 𝟎 hand hand
The graph falls to the left and
rises to the right if the leading
𝒂𝒏 > 𝟎 Odd falling rising coefficient is positive and degree
is odd.
The graph rises to the left and
falls to the right if the leading
𝒂𝒏 < 𝟎 Odd rising falling coefficient is negative and degree
is odd.
The graph rises to the left and
to the right if the leading
𝒂𝒏 > 𝟎 Even rising rising coefficient is positive and degree
is even.
The graph falls to the left and to
the right if the leading coefficient
𝒂𝒏 < 𝟎 Even falling falling is negative and degree is even.

2
EXAMPLES:

The degree is odd

number and the leading
coefficient is greater
than 0, the graph falls
to left and rises to the
right.

The degree is odd

number and the
leading coefficient is
less than 0, the graph
rises to left and falls to
the right.

The degree is even

number and the
leading coefficient is
greater than 0, the
graph rises both left
and right.

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 The degree is even
number and the
leading coefficient is
less than 0, the graph
falls both left and
right.

Concept B

Multiplicity of a Zero and Turning Points

The multiplicity of a zero of a polynomial function is a helpful strategy to

determine whether the graph crosses or is tangent to the x–axis at each x–intercept.
Multiplicity tells how many times a particular number is a zero or root for the give
polynomial.
The turning points of a graph occur when the function changes from decreasing to
increasing or from increasing to decreasing values. The number of turning points in
the graph of a polynomial function with degree n is strictly less than the degree of the
polynomial or at most (n – 1).
EXAMPLE:

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Table:
Roots Characteristics of Behavior of the graph relative
or Multiplicity multiplicity: Odd or to x-axis at this root: Crosses or
Zeros Even is Tangent to
–2 2 Even Tangent to x-axis
–1 3 Odd Crosses to x-axis
1 4 Even Tangent to x-axis
2 1 Odd Crosses to x-axis

➢ The turning points of the graph are represented by the arrows as shown in
the picture.
➢ Since the degree of the polynomial is 10, the turning points must be less
than 10. In the illustration, the graph turns 5 times.

Concept C
The graph of polynomial function is continuous, smooth, and has rounded turns.
Examples:
Given the polynomial functions, describe or determine the following and sketch the
graph.
a. leading term e. y-intercept
b. end behaviors point on the y-axis
c. x-intercepts f. number of turning points
points on the x-axis g. sketch
d. multiplicity of roots

1. 𝒚 = (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 − 𝟏)(𝒙 − 𝟒)

a. leading term: 2𝑥 3
b. end behaviors: falls to the left, rises to the right
𝟑
c. x-intercepts: − 𝟐, 1, 4
𝟑
points on the x-axis: (− 𝟐 , 𝟎) , (𝟏, 𝟎)(𝟒, 𝟎)
𝟑
d. multiplicity of roots: − 𝟐 has multiplicity of 1(crosses the x – axis)
1 has multiplicity of 1(crosses the x - axis)
4 has multiplicity of 1 (crosses the x – axis)
e. y-intercept: 12
point on the y-axis: (0, 12)
f. number of turning points: 2
g. sketch (expected graph):

(Note: At this stage, we

cannot determine the
exact values of all the
turning points of the
graph. We need calculus
for this. For now, we
just need to ensure that
the graph’s behaviors
and intercepts are
correctly graph.)

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2. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟒 − 𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐
a. leading term: x4
b. end behaviors: rises to the left, rises to the right
c. x-intercepts: –3, –1, 2
points on the x-axis: (–3, 0)(–1, 0)(2, 0)
d. multiplicity of roots: –3 has multiplicity of 1(crosses the x – axis)
–1 has multiplicity of 1(crosses the x – axis)
2 has multiplicity of 2 (tangent to the x - axis)
e. y-intercept: 12
point on the y-axis: (0, 12)
f. number of turning points: 3
g. sketch (expected graph):

(Note: At this stage, we

cannot determine the exact
values of all the turning
points of the graph. We need
calculus for this. For now,
we just need to ensure that
the graph’s behaviors and
intercepts are correctly
graph.)

Getting Better
Activity 3:
A. Fill in the blanks to make each statement true.
1. In 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 6, the graph __________ to the left and __________ to the
right.
2. In 𝑦 = 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 4, the graph __________ to the left and to the right,
respectively.
3. The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = −7𝑥 7 − 3𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 − 4 __________ to the left and __________ to
the right.
4. The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 − 3 __________ to the left and to the right.

B. Match each polynomial function with its graph. Write the letter of the correct
answer before the number.
COLUMN 1 COLUMN II
A. B
_____ 5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 8
4 2 .

_____ 6. 𝑓(𝑥) = −4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 8

_____ 7. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 − 8𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 6

_____ 8. 𝑓(𝑥) = −8𝑥 6 + 12𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 6

C D
. .

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C. Use the Leading Coefficient test to determine the end behavior of the graph of each
polynomial function. Write your answer on the space provided.

9. 𝑦 = 10𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 4 ___________________________________________________
10. 𝑓(𝑥) = −8𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 8 ___________________________________________________
11. 𝑦 = −15𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 4 ___________________________________________________
12. 𝑓(𝑥) = 8𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 8 ___________________________________________________
13. 𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 2)2 ___________________________________________________
14. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3)2 (𝑥 + 4)2 ___________________________________________________
15. 𝑦 = −3(𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑥 + 2) ___________________________________________________

D. Complete the table.

Characteris Behavior of the
tics of graph relative to x-
Root or Multipli
Polynomial Function multiplicity axis at this root:
Zero city
: Odd or Crosses or is
Even Tangent to

1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟐)(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐

2. 𝒚 = (𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟏)(𝒙 + 𝟑)

E. Complete the table

Polynomial Function Sketch Give the following:

1. 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟒 Degree:
No. of
turning pts.
x-
intercept/s
y-intercept

2. 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙𝟒 − 𝟖𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒𝟖 Degree:

No. of
turning pts.
x-
intercept/s
y-intercept

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3. 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟐 Degree:
No. of
turning
pts.
x-
intercept/s
y-intercept

4. 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟓 − 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏 Degree:
No. of
turning
pts.
x-
intercept/s
y-intercept

5. 𝒚 = −𝒙𝟓 + 𝟓𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙 Degree:

No. of
turning
pts.
x-
intercept/s
y-intercept

Gaining Mastery

Activity 4:

F. Given the polynomial functions, describe or determine the following:

Give the following: 1. 𝒚 = −(𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟓) 2. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙

a. Leading term
b. End behaviors
c. x-intercepts
Points on the x-axis
d. y-intercept
points on the y-axis
e. number of turning
points
f. multiplicity of roots
(behavior of the
graph)

8
Give the following: 3. 𝒚 = (𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟑 (𝒙 − 𝟐) 4. 𝒚 = (𝒙 − 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐

a. Leading term
b. End behaviors
c. x-intercepts
Points on the x-axis
d. y-intercept
points on the y-axis
e. number of turning
points
f. multiplicity of roots
(behavior of the
graph)

What I Need to Remember

The Leading Coefficient Test tells us the behavior of the graph when and where
it rises or falls. The same way in life, we have ups and downs. These could be the
experiences where we feel happiness, excitement or it could be problems that we have
encounter.
On the other hand, the multiplicity tells us if ever we cross or just touch the x-
axis. It’s just like decision making. We have to be very careful in making decisions.
There are decisions that we need to decide whether to proceed and cross the line or
stop and pause for a while and go back if ever we are not certain on it. Especially you
students, there are limitations of your decisions. Sometimes you might think you’re
doing right but you end up failed and eventually resulting to a big problem that you
cannot or hard for you to get out.
This lesson will help you shape your future. Just like the graph of polynomial
functions which flows smoothly, you can also have a smooth path if you will follow the
right points in life. Though in reality, life is not that easy. But remember, these are
just spices that will help you develop and grow as a person more equipped and ready
whatever you encounter as you go along to your journey.

Writer: Donald Roy A. Mahinay

School: Inayangan National High School
Division: Davao City
Evaluator: VILMA E. TANJAY
School: F. Bangoy National High School
Division: Davao City

9
 Answer Key

Activity 1 Activity 2:

Odd 𝒂𝒏 1. Left: falling, Right: rising

Degree or > 𝟎 𝒐𝒓 2. Left: rising, Right: falling
(𝒂𝒏 )
Even 𝒂𝒏 < 𝟎 3. Left: rising, Right: rising
1. 3 odd 2 𝟐>𝟎 4. Left: falling, Right: falling
2. 5 odd −1 −𝟏 < 𝟎
3. 4 even 1 𝟏>𝟎
4. 4 even −1 −𝟏 < 𝟎

Activity 3
A.
1. falls;rises D. Complete the table
2. rises
3. rises;falls Crosses
Root Multipl Odd or
4. falls or is
or Zero icity Even
B. Tangent to
5. D 1. 0 2 Even Tangent
6. A 2 1 Odd Crosses
1.
7. C 1 2 Even Tangent
8. B
C. 2. -1 2 Even Tangent
9. Falls to the left; rises to the right 2. 1 1 Odd Crosses
10. Falls to both left and right -3 1 Odd Crosses
11. Rises to the left; falls to the right
12. Rises to both left and right
13. Falls to the left; rises to the right
14. Rises to both left and right
15. Rises to the left; falls to the right

E.

1. Degree: 4 4. Degree: 5
No. of turning pts. 3 No. of turning pts. 4
x-intercept/s 0 −2 < 𝑥 < −1,
x-intercept/s 0 < 𝑥 < 1,
y-intercept 0 1<𝑥<2
y-intercept 1
2. Degree: 4 5. Degree: 5
No. of turning pts. 3 No. of turning pts. 4
x-intercept/s −2, −1,3,4 x-intercept/s −2, −1,0,1,2
y-intercept 48 y-intercept 0
3. Degree: 3
No. of turning pts. 2
1
x-intercept/s −2, − , 1
2
y-intercept 2

10
ACTIVITY 4:

Give the following: 1. 𝒚 = −(𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟓) 2. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙

a. Leading term −2𝑥 4 𝑥3

b. End behaviors falls to the left and right falls to the left and rises to the
right
c. x-intercepts 5 0, −3
−3, −1,
2
Points on the x-axis 5 (0,0)(−3,0)
(−3,0), (−1,0), ( , 0)
2
d. y-intercept 15 0
points on the y-axis (0,15) (0,0)
e. number of turning 3 2
points
f. multiplicity of roots −3(crosses the x-axis) 0(crosses the x-axis)
(Behavior)
−1(tangent to the x-axis −3(tangent to the x-axis)
5
(crosses the x-axis
2

Give the following: 3. 𝒚 = (𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟑 (𝒙 − 𝟐) 4. 𝒚 = (𝒙 − 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐

g. Leading term 𝑥8 𝑥4
h. End behaviors rises to the left and to the right rises to the left and right
i. x-intercepts −2, −1, 1, 2 −3, −1,2
Points on the x-axis (−2,0), (−1,0), (1,0), (2,0) (−3,0), (−1,0), (2,0)
j. y-intercept 8 −6
points on the y-axis (0,8) (0, −6)
k. number of turning at most 7 3
points
l. multiplicity of roots −2(tangent to the x-axis) −3(crosses the x-axis)
m. (behavior)
−1(tangent to the x-axis) −1(tangent to the x-axis)
1(crosses to the x-axis) 2(crosses the x-axis)
2(crosses to the x-axis)

Writer: Donald Roy A. Mahinay

School: Inayangan National High School
Division: Davao City
Evaluator: VILMA E. TANJAY
School:F. Bangoy National High School
Division:Davao City