1. 2.3 Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree with Modeling
Graph polynomial functions
Predict their end behavior
Find their real zeros algebraically or graphically

2. The Vocabulary of Polynomials
Each monomial in this sum f(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + …+ a2x2 + a1x + a0 – anxn , an-1xn-1,…,a0 – is a term of the polynomial.
A polynomial functions written in this way, with terms in descending degree, is written in standard form.
The constants an, an-1,…, a0 are the coefficients of the polynomial
The term anxn is the leading term, and a0 is the constant term.

3. g(x) = -(x+5)3 g(x) = (x-3)3+1
Describe how to transform the graph of an appropriate monomial function f(x) = anxn.
g(x) = -(x+5)3
g(x) = (x-3)3+1

4. A polynomial function of degree n has at most n-1 local extrema and at most n zeros.

5. High Degree Polynomials and Modeling
Graph the polynomial function, locate its extrema and zeros, and explain how it is related to the monomials from which it is built.
f(x) = -x4 + 2x
f(x) = x3 + x

6. The end behavior of higher power functions is often related to the basic functions we have discussed
Complete the Exploration on p. 196.
Describe the patterns you observe.
In particular, how do the values of the coefficient an and the degree n affect the end behavior of f(x).

7. Leading Term Test for Polynomial End Behavior
For any polynomial function f(x) = anxn+..+a1x+a0, the limits and are determined by the degree n of the polynomial and its leading coefficient an.
n odd
n even
an < 0
an > 0
an > 0
an < 0

8. f(x) = - x3 + 4x2 + 31x – 70 f(x) = 2x4 – 5x3 – 17x2 + 14x + 41
Graph the polynomial in a window showing its extrema and zeros and its end behavior. Describe the end behavior using limits.
f(x) = - x3 + 4x2 + 31x – 70
f(x) = 2x4 – 5x3 – 17x2 + 14x + 41

9. Ex: Find the zeros of f(x) = 3x3 – x2 – 2x algebraically
Ex: Find the zeros of f(x) = 3x3 – x2 – 2x algebraically. Ex: Use a graphing calculator to find the zeros of f(x) = x5 – 10x4 + 2x3 + 64x2 – 3x – 55.

10. Squares of width x are removed from a 10-cm by 25-cm piece of cardboard, and the resulting edges are folded up to form a box with no top. Determine all values of x so that the volume of the resulting box is at most 175 cm3.

11. A state highway patrol safety division collected the data on stopping distance in the table shown.
Draw a scatter plot of the data.
Find the quadratic regression model.
Sketch the graph of the function with the data points.
Use the regression equation to predict the stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 25 mph.
Use the regression model to predict the speed of a car if the stopping distance is 300 ft.
Highway Safety Divison
Speed (mph)
Stopping Distance (ft) 10 20 30 40 50
15.1
39.9
75.2
120.5
175.9