Precalculus : Graph a Polynomial Function

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Precalculus

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 :Graphs Of Polynomial Functions

Which of the following is an accurate graph of?

Possible Answers:

Varsity2

Varsity11

Varsity10

Varsity1

Varsity12

Correct answer:

Varsity1

Explanation:

is a parabola, because of the generalstructure. The parabola opens downward because.

Solvingtells the x-value of the x-axis intercept;

The resulting x-axis intercept is:.

Settingtells the y-value of the y-axis intercept;

The resulting y-axis intercept is:

Example Question #1 :How To Graph An Exponential Function

Give the-intercept of the graph of the function

Round to the nearest tenth, if applicable.

Possible Answers:

The graph has no-interceptx

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The-intercept is, where:

The-intercept is.

Example Question #1 :Graph Polynomial Functions, Identify Zeros, Factor, And Identify End Behavior.: Css.Math.Content.Hsf If.C.7c

Graph the following function and identify the zeros.

Possible Answers:

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 12.16.31 pm

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 12.16.52 pm

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 12.17.10 pm

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 9.55.24 am

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 9.50.10 am

Correct answer:

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 9.55.24 am

Explanation:

This question tests one's ability to graph a polynomial function.

For the purpose of Common Core Standards, "graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations are available, and showing end behavior" falls within the Cluster C of "Analyze Functions Using Different Representations" concept (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF-IF.C.7).

Knowing the standard and the concept for which it relates to, we can now do the step-by-step process to solve the problem in question.

Step 1: Use algebraic technique to factor the function.

Separating the function into two parts...

Factoring a negative one from the second set results in...

Factoring outfrom the first set results in...

The new factored form of the function is,

.

Now, recognize that the first binomial is a perfect square for which the following formula can be used

since

thus the simplified, factored form is,

.

Step 2: Identify the roots of the function.

To find the roots of a function set its factored form equal to zero and solve for the possible x values.

Step 3: Create a table ofpairs.

The values in the table are found by substituting in the x values into the function as follows.

Step 4: Plot the points on a coordinate grid and connect them with a smooth curve.

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 9.55.24 am

Example Question #12 :Graph Polynomial Functions, Identify Zeros, Factor, And Identify End Behavior.: Css.Math.Content.Hsf If.C.7c

Graph the function and identify the roots.

Possible Answers:

Question2

Question6

Question3

Question5

Question12

Correct answer:

Question12

Explanation:

This question tests one's ability to graph a polynomial function.

For the purpose of Common Core Standards, "graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations are available, and showing end behavior" falls within the Cluster C of "Analyze Functions Using Different Representations" concept (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF-IF.C.7).

Knowing the standard and the concept for which it relates to, we can now do the step-by-step process to solve the problem in question.

Step 1: Use algebraic technique to factor the function.

Recognize that the binomial is a perfect square for which the following formula can be used

since

thus the simplified, factored form is,

.

Step 2: Identify the roots of the function.

To find the roots of a function set its factored form equal to zero and solve for the possible x values.

Step 3: Create a table ofpairs.

The values in the table are found by substituting in the x values into the function as follows.

Step 4: Plot the points on a coordinate grid and connect them with a smooth curve.

Question12

Example Question #6 :Graph Polynomial Functions, Identify Zeros, Factor, And Identify End Behavior.: Css.Math.Content.Hsf If.C.7c

Graph the function and identify its roots.

Possible Answers:

Question3

Question5

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 12.16.31 pm

Question4

Question6

Correct answer:

Question6

Explanation:

This question tests one's ability to graph a polynomial function.

For the purpose of Common Core Standards, "graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations are available, and showing end behavior" falls within the Cluster C of "Analyze Functions Using Different Representations" concept (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF-IF.C.7).

Knowing the standard and the concept for which it relates to, we can now do the step-by-step process to solve the problem in question.

Step 1: Use algebraic technique to factor the function.

Recognize that the binomial is a perfect square for which the following formula can be used

since

thus the simplified, factored form is,

.

Step 2: Identify the roots of the function.

To find the roots of a function set its factored form equal to zero and solve for the possible x values.

Step 3: Create a table ofpairs.

The values in the table are found by substituting in the x values into the function as follows.

Step 4: Plot the points on a coordinate grid and connect them with a smooth curve.

Question6

Example Question #4 :Graph Polynomial Functions, Identify Zeros, Factor, And Identify End Behavior.: Css.Math.Content.Hsf If.C.7c

Graph the function and identify its roots.

Possible Answers:

Question4

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 12.16.52 pm

Question2

Screen shot 2016 01 13 at 12.16.31 pm

Question3

Correct answer:

Question4

Explanation:

This question tests one's ability to graph a polynomial function.

For the purpose of Common Core Standards, "graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations are available, and showing end behavior" falls within the Cluster C of "Analyze Functions Using Different Representations" concept (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF-IF.C.7).

Knowing the standard and the concept for which it relates to, we can now do the step-by-step process to solve the problem in question.

Step 1: Use algebraic technique to factor the function.

Recognize that the binomial is a perfect square for which the following formula can be used

since

thus the simplified, factored form is,

.

Step 2: Identify the roots of the function.

To find the roots of a function set its factored form equal to zero and solve for the possible x values.

Step 3: Create a table ofpairs.

The values in the table are found by substituting in the x values into the function as follows.

Step 4: Plot the points on a coordinate grid and connect them with a smooth curve.

Question4

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