Precalculus

4. Polynomial Functions

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Properties of a Parabola

● A quadratic function is a polynomial of degree ___ in the standard form: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 7 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 𝑥 2 + 1

▪ 𝒂, 𝒃, 𝒄 can be any real number as long as 𝑎 ≠____.

▪ Recall: The square function is a _______________, as all quadratic functions will be.
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
5
Vertex: _______ [MIN|MAX] 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
4
x-intercept(s): ___________
y-intercept: _________ 3

Axis of Symmetry: ________ 2

Domain: always _________ 1

Range when [MIN], __________: _________ 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
𝒇(𝒙) = −(𝒙 + 𝟐 )𝟐 +𝟏 -1
Vertex: _______ [MIN|MAX] -2
x-intercept(s): ___________ -3
y-intercept: _________
-4
𝒇(𝒙) = −(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 + 𝟏
Axis of Symmetry: ________
-5
Domain: _______
Range when [MAX], __________: _________
Increasing? ___________
Decreasing? ___________

● Quadratic functions are commonly written in vertex form, which will help us graph with ease.

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Identify the ordered pair of the vertex of the parabola. State whether it is a minimum or maximum.
𝒇(𝒙)
5 Vertex: ________ [MIN|MAX]
4
3
2
1
𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5

PRACTICE: Where is the axis of symmetry located on the given parabola?

𝒇(𝒙)
5 Axis of Symmetry: ________
4
3
2
1
𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5

Page 2
Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Vertex Form & Transformations

● Vertex form of a quadratic function is based on transforming the square function, 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 .

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑎 (𝒙 − ℎ)𝟐 + 𝑘
_______________ shift by ___ units
sign value
+𝑎 opens ____ |𝑎| > 1 vertical _________ _______________ shift by ___ units
−𝑎 opens _______ |𝑎| < 1 vertical _________
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇(𝒙) = (𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 − 𝟒 5
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
1) Vertex (_______): _______ [MIN|MAX] 4
2) Axis of Symmetry (𝑥 = ___): ________ 3
TO GRAPH

3) x-int(s)→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0: __________ 2

4) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ 1
5) _____ & connect with _____________ 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
3) (𝑥 − 1)2 − 4 = 0 4) 𝑓(0) = (0 − 1)2 − 4 -1
-2
-3
-4
-5
Recall:
FACTORING SQ. ROOT PROPERTY COMPLETE THE SQUARE QUADRATIC FORMULA
● Has obvious factors OR ● (𝑥 + #)2 = [𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭] OR ● Leading coeff. is 1 AND ● Can’t easily factor
USE IF

●𝑐=0 ●𝑏=0 ● 𝑏 is even ● Unsure what method to use

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

EXAMPLE: Graph the given quadratic function. Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts, domain, range, and
intervals for which the function is increasing or decreasing.
𝒇(𝒙)
𝟏 5
𝒇(𝒙) = − (𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 + 𝟐
𝟐
4
1) Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘): _______ [MIN|MAX]
2) Axis of Symmetry (𝑥 = ℎ): ________ 3
TO GRAPH

3) x-int(s)→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0: __________ 2

4) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ 1

𝒙
5) Plot & connect with smooth curve -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
Domain: __________
FROM GRAPH

Range: ___________ -2
-3
Increasing? ___________
-4
Decreasing? ___________
-5
3) 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 4) 𝑓(0) =

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Graph the given quadratic function. Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts, domain, range, and
intervals for which the function is increasing or decreasing.
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇(𝒙) = −(𝒙 − 𝟓)𝟐 + 𝟏 10
1) Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘): _______ [MIN|MAX] 8
2) Axis of Symmetry (𝑥 = ℎ): ________ 6
TO GRAPH

3) x-int(s)→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0: __________ 4

4) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ 2
5) Plot & connect with smooth curve 𝒙
-10 -8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8 10
Domain: __________ -2
FROM GRAPH

Range: ___________ -4
Increasing? ___________ -6
Decreasing? ___________ -8

3) 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 4) 𝑓(0) = -10

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Standard Form → Vertex Form

● When given a quadratic function in standard form, put it in vertex form by completing the square, then graph.

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟕 Standard Form

Rewrite

𝒇(𝒙) = (𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + _____) + 𝟕 − ______

Complete the Square

𝒇(𝒙) = (𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 − 𝟐 Vertex Form 𝒇(𝒙) = (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + 𝒌 Vertex Form

▪ Since we are working with a function, not an equation, our steps change slightly.
EXAMPLE: Put the standard form quadratic function in vertex form by COMPLETE THE SQUARE
𝑏
1) Factor 𝑎 out of 1st 2 terms→ 𝑎(𝑥 2 + 𝑎 𝑥) + 𝑐
completing the square.
𝑏 2
2) Add & ________ ( ) ________
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 +7 2___

Move (subtraction × 𝒂) _________

𝑏 2
𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + ____)2 3) Factor to (𝑥 + 2____) & simplify

4) Graph from _________ form

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

EXAMPLE: Graph the given quadratic function. Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts, domain, range, and
intervals for which the function is increasing or decreasing.
COMPLETE THE SQUARE
𝑏
𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 6 1) Factor 𝑎 out of 1st 2 terms→ 𝑎(𝑥 2 + 𝑎 𝑥) + 𝑐
𝑏 2
2) Add & subtract ( ) inside
2𝑎

Move (subtraction × 𝒂) outside

𝑏 2
3) Factor to (𝑥 + 2𝑎 ) & simplify

4) Graph from vertex form

𝒇(𝒙)
_________________________ 10
1) Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘): _______ [MIN|MAX] 8
2) Axis of Symmetry (𝑥 = ℎ): ________ 6
TO GRAPH

3) x-int(s)→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0: __________ 4

4) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ 2
5) Plot & connect with smooth curve 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
Domain: __________ -2
FROM GRAPH

Range: ___________ -4
Increasing? ___________ -6
Decreasing? ___________ -8
-10
3) 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 4) 𝑓(0) =

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Graph the given quadratic function. Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts, domain, range, and
intervals for which the function is increasing or decreasing.
COMPLETE THE SQUARE
𝑏
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 1) Factor 𝑎 out of 1st 2 terms→ 𝑎(𝑥 2 + 𝑎 𝑥) + 𝑐
𝑏 2
2) Add & subtract ( ) inside
2𝑎

Move (subtraction × 𝒂) outside

𝑏 2
3) Factor to (𝑥 + 2𝑎 ) & simplify

4) Graph from vertex form

𝒇(𝒙)

_________________________ 15

1) Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘): _______ [MIN|MAX] 12

2) Axis of Symmetry (𝑥 = ℎ): ________ 9

TO GRAPH

3) x-int(s)→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0: __________ 6

4) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ 3
5) Plot & connect with smooth curve 𝒙
-10 -8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8 10
Domain: __________ -3
FROM GRAPH

Range: ___________ -6
Increasing? ___________ -9
Decreasing? ___________ -12
-15
3) 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 4) 𝑓(0) =

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

Intro to Polynomial Functions

● You will need to know how recognize polynomial functions & their graphs.
▪ Recall: Polynomials have only positive whole number exponents (no negatives, no fractions)
▪ Standard form: Like terms combined & in descending order of power 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

Degree 𝑛 (highest exponent)

_____= 6𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4
Leading Coefficient Coefficients Constant

EXAMPLE: Determine if each function is a polynomial function. If so, put in standard form. State degree & leading coeff.
(𝑨) (𝑩) 1
(𝑪) 2
2 3
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 4 𝑓 (𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 +3 𝑓(𝑥) = − 𝑥 4 + 1 + 3
3

Polynomial function? □ Polynomial function? □ Polynomial function? □

Degree: _______ Degree: _______ Degree: _______
Leading Coefficient: _______ Leading Coefficient: _______ Leading Coefficient: _______

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

● Graphs of polynomial functions are ____________ and _______________ (no corners, no breaks)
Polynomial Functions NOT Polynomial Functions
𝒇(𝒙) 𝒇(𝒙)

𝒙 𝒙

▪ Domain: always __________

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Determine if the given function is a polynomial function. If so, write in standard form, then state the
degree and leading coefficient.
1
𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 𝑥 −1 − 2𝑥 + 1 Polynomial function? □
2 Degree: _______
Leading Coefficient: _______

PRACTICE: Determine if the given function is a polynomial function. If so, write in standard form, then state the
degree and leading coefficient.

𝑓 (𝑥) = 2 + 𝑥 Polynomial function? □

Degree: _______
Leading Coefficient: _______

PRACTICE: Determine if the given function is a polynomial function. If so, write in standard form, then state the
degree and leading coefficient.

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 2 Polynomial function? □

Degree: _______
Leading Coefficient: _______

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

End Behavior

● Just as the graph of an inequality may go to +∞ or −∞, the graph of a polynomial function will always do this.
▪ End Behavior: what the graph of 𝒇(𝒙) does far to the left (________) and far to the right (_______)
“𝑥 approaches −∞” “𝑥 approaches ∞”

Graphing Inequalities Graphing Functions

𝑥≥2
∞
0 1 2 3 4
∞ 𝑥 → −∞ 𝑥→∞
𝑥≤2

−∞ 0 1 2 3 4 −∞
● The behavior in the middle of the graph will look different depending on the function.

𝑎𝑛 is [ + | − ] 𝑎𝑛 is [ + | − ] 𝑎𝑛 is [ + | − ] 𝑎𝑛 is [ + | − ]
𝑛 is [ EVEN | ODD ] 𝑛 is [ EVEN | ODD ] 𝑛 is [ EVEN | ODD ] 𝑛 is [ EVEN | ODD ]

● To determine the end behavior of a polynomial, look at the _________ term in standard form. Degree
▪ If Leading Coefficient (𝑎𝑛 ) is: positive: right side _________ (𝑓(𝑥) →_____)
negative: right side _________ (𝑓(𝑥) →_____)
3𝑥 5 + ⋯
Leading Coefficient
Degree (𝑛) is: even: ends are ______________
odd: ends are ______________

EXAMPLE: Determine the end behavior of each polynomial function, then sketch.
(𝑨) (𝑩)
𝑓(𝑥) = −4𝑥 6 + 𝑥3 +2 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 𝑥

Right [RISES | FALLS] Right [RISES | FALLS]

Ends [SAME | OPPOSITE] Ends [SAME | OPPOSITE]

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Determine the end behavior of the given polynomial function.

𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 𝑥 + 7𝑥 3 Right side [ RISES | FALLS ]

Ends are [ SAME | OPPOSITE ]

PRACTICE: Match the given polynomial function to its graph based on end behavior.

𝑓 (𝑥) = −2𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 1 Right side [ RISES | FALLS ]

Ends are [ SAME | OPPOSITE ]

(𝑨) (𝑩) (𝑪)

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

Finding Zeros by Factoring & Multiplicity of Zeros

● There may be multiple x-intercepts of a polynomial function, called the zeros, roots or solutions of 𝑓(𝑥) = 0.
▪ Find zeros by factoring & setting each factor = 0.
(𝑥 − 1)2
𝑥 = 1 has
▪ Multiplicity of a zero: __________ of times a factor occurs. 𝑥−1=0 →
multiplicity ___
𝑥=1

EXAMPLE: Find the zeros of the given polynomial function and give the
multiplicity of each. State whether the graph crosses or touches the x-
axis at each zero.
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 (𝑥 − 3)2 (𝑥 + 4)3

𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________

Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____

[ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ]

touch/
● Multiplicity determines what the graph does at that zero: If even: graph ___________ x-axis bounce

odd: graph ___________ x-axis

cross

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Find the zeros of the given polynomial function and give the multiplicity of each. State whether the graph
crosses or touches the x-axis at each zero.

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 4 − 12𝑥 3 + 18𝑥 2

𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________
Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____

[ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ]

PRACTICE: Find the zeros of the given polynomial function and give the multiplicity of each. State whether the graph
crosses or touches the x-axis at each zero.

𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 1)3 (2𝑥 + 6)

𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________

Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____

[ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ]

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

Turning Points

● Graphs of polynomial functions may have multiple turning points: points where the graph changes ____________.
▪ The maximum number of turning points is 𝒏 − 𝟏, where 𝒏 is the _________ of the polynomial.
▪ Each turning point is either a local ___________ or ____________.

EXAMPLE: Determine the maximum number of turning points for each polynomial function.
(𝑨) (𝑩) (𝑪)
4 2
𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 + 2𝑥 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 3 − 6𝑥

Max. turning points: _______ Max. turning points: _______ Max. turning points: _______

● When graphing, we’ll be able to use turning points to check that we graphed correctly.

PRACTICE: Determine the maximum number of turning points for the given polynomial function.

𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 4 + 2𝑥

Max. turning points: _______

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Based ONLY on the maximum number of turning points, which of the following graphs could NOT be the
graph of the given function?

𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 1

(𝑨) (𝑩) (𝑪)

PRACTICE: The given term represents the leading term of some polynomial function. Determine the end behavior and
the maximum number of turning points.

4𝑥 5 Right side [ RISES | FALLS ]

Ends are [ SAME | OPPOSITE ]

Max. turning points: _______

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

Intervals of Unknown Behavior

● We know how to determine end behavior, x-intercepts, y-intercept, and turning points of a polynomial function.
▪ Find behavior between known points by breaking graph into __________ & plotting a _______ in each interval.

-2 3

−∞ → ____ ____ → 0 0 → ____ ____ → ∞

𝑥
𝑓(𝑥)

PRACTICE: Based on the known points plotted on the graph, determine what intervals the graph should be broken
into in order to determine unknown behavior. 𝒇(𝒙)
5
4
3
2
1
𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

● To graph a polynomial function, include end behavior, x-intercepts, y-intercept, turning points, & points between.
𝒇(𝒙)

𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟑 − 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟐 20
1) End Behavior (𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ):
𝑎𝑛 + − 16
Right side [ RISES | FALLS ]
12
𝑛 EVEN ODD
Ends are [ SAME | OPPOSITE ] 8
2) x-int(s) & behavior→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 4
2(𝑥 − 1)3 = 0 𝑥 = __________ 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
Multiplicity: ____
-4
EVEN ODD
TO GRAPH

[ TOUCH | CROSS ] -8
3) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ -12
𝑓(0) = 𝟐(𝟎 − 𝟏 )𝟑 =
-16
4) Determine intervals & plot a point in each
−∞ → ____ 0 → ____ ____ → ∞
-20

𝑓(𝑥)

5) Connect with smooth, continuous curve

6) Check max. turning pts.→ (𝑛 − 1): ____ ☐

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

EXAMPLE: Graph the polynomial function. Determine the domain and range. 𝒇(𝒙)
𝟑 𝟐
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙
25
1) End Behavior (𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ):
20
Right side [ RISES | FALLS ]
Ends are [ SAME | OPPOSITE ] 15
10
2) x-int(s) & behavior→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0
𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________ 5
Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____ 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
TO GRAPH

[ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ] -5

3) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ -10

4) Determine intervals & plot a point in each -15
-20
𝑥
-25
𝑓(𝑥)
2) 𝑓(𝑥) = 0
5) Connect with smooth, continuous curve
6) Check max. turning pts.→ (𝑛 − 1): ____ ☐
FROM GRAPH

Domain: __________

Range: ___________
3) 𝑓(0) =

4) 𝑓( )=
𝑓( )=
𝑓( )=

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Precalculus
4. Polynomial Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Graph the polynomial function. Determine the domain and range. 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇(𝒙) = (𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐
5
1) End Behavior (𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ):
Right side [ RISES | FALLS ] 4

Ends are [ SAME | OPPOSITE ] 3

2) x-int(s) & behavior→ Solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 2

𝑥 = __________ 𝑥 = __________ 1
Multiplicity: ____ Multiplicity: ____ 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
TO GRAPH

[ TOUCH | CROSS ] [ TOUCH | CROSS ] -1

3) y-int→ Compute 𝑓(0): _________ -2
4) Determine intervals & plot a point in each -3
-4
𝑥
-5
𝑓(𝑥)
2) 𝑓(𝑥) = 0
5) Connect with smooth, continuous curve
6) Check max. turning pts.→ (𝑛 − 1): ____ ☐
FROM GRAPH

Domain: __________

Range: ___________
3) 𝑓(0) =

4) 𝑓( )=
𝑓( )=

Page 20