1. Graphs of Polynomials Functions
Chapter 8
Discovery 1
Graphs of Polynomials Functions
Graph each polynomial relation. Draw a vertical line
through more than one point on the graph if possible.
Are the polynomial relations graphed in exercises 1 - 4
functions?

2. Effect of the Coefficient a
Chapter 8
Discovery 2
Effect of the Coefficient a
on a Quadratic Graph
Sketch the graphs of the given quadratic functions of the form y = ax2 where
the same coordinate plane. Use the decimal window.
Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct words.
7. In exercises 1 - 3, a is a positive/negative number. All of the graphs open
upward/downward.
8. In exercises 4 - 6, a is a positive/negative number. All of the graphs open
9. In exercises 3 and 6, the absolute value of a is greater than 1. The shape of the
parabola is wider/narrower than the graphs in exercises 2 and 5, in which a = 1 or -1.
10. In exercises 1 and 4, the absolute value of a is less than 1. The shape of the
parabola is wider/narrower than the graph in exercises 2 and 5, in which a = 1 or -1.

3. Chapter 8
Discovery 3
Symmetric Graph
1. Consider the graph of The vertex of the graph is (0, 0).
Complete the table of values for the three integer x-values on either
side of x = 0, the x-coordinate of the vertex.
x y -3 -2 -1
0 0  Vertex 1 2 3
2. Graph the function, using the table of values. Label all points
graphed. Compare the y-values for the x-values equidistant from x = 0.
3. If x = 1 or x = -1, then y = _____.
4. If x = 2 or x = -2, then y = _____.
5. If x = 3 or x = -3, then y = _____.

4. Effect of the Coefficient c on a
Chapter 8
Discovery 4
Effect of the Coefficient c on a
Quadratic Graph
Sketch the graph of the given quadratic functions of the form
where b = 0, on the same coordinate plane. Use the
decimal window and label the y-intercept of each graph.
1. Write a rule for determining the y-coordinate of the the y-intercept
of a parabola from its equation.
2. Check your rule for