Quarter 2 Lesson 6

Introduction to Polynomial
Functions
 Learning Competency

At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able

to illustrate polynomial functions. (M10AL-Ila-1).
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to

do the following:

● Properly identify polynomial functions.

● Correctly evaluate a polynomial function at a
specified value of the variable.
● Correctly find the domain and range of a
polynomial function.
In the previous lessons, you have
learned that real life situations
can be illustrated using
functions.
For instance, the length of an
object can be illustrated using a
linear function while the area of
a plane figure such as a circle or
a rectangle can be presented
using a quadratic function.
How about if you are going to
illustrate a volume or a surface
area? What kind of function are
you going to use?
In this scenario, you can use more complex kind of functions,
such as a cubic function. The different kinds of functions that
you can use in illustrating real life situations are called
polynomial functions.

In this lesson, you will learn about polynomial functions and

how it is used in real life situations.
 Essential Questions

• How will you identify polynomial functions?

• How will you evaluate a polynomial function at a specified

value of the variable?

• How will you find the domain and range of a polynomial

function?
 Learn about It!

Polynomial Function

This is a function that can be written in the form 𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 +

𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 , where 𝑛 (the highest exponent of the
variable) is a nonnegative integer known as the degree, and
𝑎𝑛 , 𝑎𝑛−1 , …, 𝑎0 (the coefficients of the variables) are real
numbers.
 Learn about It!

Polynomial Function

The term 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 is the leading term of the polynomial function,

where 𝑎𝑛 is the leading coefficient, while 𝑎0 (the term with no
variable) is the constant term.

The table on the next slide shows some examples of

polynomial functions and their degrees.
 Learn about It!

Polynomial Function
Polynomial Function Degree Name
𝑃 𝑥 =6 0 Constant Function
𝑃 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 9 1 Linear Function
𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1 2 Quadratic Function
𝑃 𝑥 = 5𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 − 8 3 Cubic Function
𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 + 10 4 Quartic Function
 Learn about It!

Polynomial Function
Polynomial Function Degree Name
𝑃 𝑥 = 11𝑥 5 + 32 5 Quintic Function
A polynomial
𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥6 6 function of degree
6
 Learn about It!

Polynomial Function

Example:
In the polynomial function 𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 , the
leading term is 𝑥 3 , the leading coefficient is 1, and the constant
term is −5.
 Learn about It!

Standard Form of a Polynomial Function

A polynomial function is in standard form if it is written in

descending powers of the independent variable.

Example:
The standard form fo the polynomial function 𝑃 𝑥 = 9 − 𝑥 3 +
7𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 is 𝑃 𝑥 = −𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 9.
 Learn about It!

Domain of a Polynomial Function

This is a set of admissible 𝑥-values of the polynomial function.

The domain of any polynomial function is the set of real
numbers.
 Learn about It!

Domain of a Polynomial Function

Example:
The domain of the polynomial functions 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1 and 𝑦 =
− 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 7 is the set of real numbers.

In set notation, 𝐷 = 𝑥 | 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 . In interval notation, 𝐷 =

−∞, ∞ .
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

This is a set of admissible 𝑦-values of the polynomial function.

While the domain of any polynomial function is the set of real
numbers, the range depends on the degree and the sign of the
leading coefficient.
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

Sign of Leading
Degree Range
Coefficient
Odd + 𝑦∈𝑅
Odd − 𝑦∈𝑅
Even + 𝑦 ≥ minimum value
Even − 𝑦 ≤ maximum value
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

Example:
Find the range of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3.
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

Example:
The function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3 is quadratic of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 +
𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐. In this case, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 2, and 𝑐 = 3. Since 𝑎 is positive,
the graph of the function opens upward, and the vertex is at
the minimum. To determine the minimum value, let us solve
for the 𝑦-value of the vertex, which is 𝑘.
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

Example:
4𝑎𝑐−𝑏 2
The formula for 𝑘 is 𝑘 = . Using 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 2, and 𝑐 = 3, let
4𝑎
us solve for 𝑘.
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

Example:
4𝑎𝑐 − 𝑏 2
𝑘 =
4𝑎
2
4 1 3 − 2
𝑘 =
4 1
8
𝑘 =
4
𝑘 =2
 Learn about It!

Range of a Polynomial Function

Example:
Thus, the range is 𝑦 | 𝑦 ≥ 2 in set notation and 2, ∞ in
interval notation.
 Learn about It!

Limiting Behavior of Polynomials

The limiting behavior of a polynomial function describes what

happens to the function as 𝑥 approaches positive or negative
infinity. It is determined by the parity (the property of being
odd or even) of the degree of the polynomial, as well as the
sign of its leading term.
 Learn about It!

Limiting Behavior of Polynomials

The following table summarizes the limiting behavior of

polynomials (excepts for constant functions).

Parity of the Sign of the Leading Term of 𝑷 𝒙

Degree of 𝑷 𝒙 + −
Even 𝑃 𝑥 → ∞ as 𝑥 → ±∞ 𝑃 𝑥 → −∞ as 𝑥 → ±∞
𝑃 𝑥 → ∞ as 𝑥 → ∞ 𝑃 𝑥 → −∞ as 𝑥 → ∞
Odd
𝑃 𝑥 → −∞ as 𝑥 → −∞ 𝑃 𝑥 → ∞ as 𝑥 → −∞
 Try it!Practice
Let’s

Example 1: Determine which of the following are polynomial

functions and write them in standard form.
a. 𝑓 𝑥 = 6
b. 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 − 7
c. 𝑃 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 7𝑥 2 + 𝑥 4
d. 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 = 0
e. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 7
𝑥+2
f. 𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 1: Determine which of the following are polynomial

functions and write them in standard form.

Solution:
a. The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 6 is a constant function. A constant
function is a polynomial function of degree zero. It is
already in standard form.

b. The function 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 − 7 is not a polynomial function

because there is a variable under the radical sign.
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 1: Determine which of the following are polynomial

functions and write them in standard form.

Solution:
c. The function 𝑃 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 7𝑥 2 + 𝑥 4 is a polynomial function
of degree 4. In standard form, it is written as
𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 2 + 3𝑥.

d. The function 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 = 0 is not a polynomial function

but a polynomial equation.
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 1: Determine which of the following are polynomial

functions and write them in standard form.

Solution:
e. The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 7 is not a polynomial function
because there is a variable in the exponent.

𝑥+2
f. The function 𝑔 𝑥 = is not a polynomial function
𝑥−1
because there is a variable in the denominator.
 Try it!Practice
Let’s

Example 2: Evaluate the polynomial function

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3.
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 2: Evaluate the polynomial function

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3.
Solution:
1. Substitute 𝑥 = −1 to 𝑃(𝑥).

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1
𝑃 −1 = (−1)4 −7 −1 3 + 2 −1 2 + (−1) − 1
= 1 − 7 −1 + 2 1 − 1 − 1
=1+7+2−2
=8
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 2: Evaluate the polynomial function

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3.
Solution:
2. Substitute 𝑥 = 2 to 𝑃(𝑥).

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1
𝑃 2 = (2)4 −7 2 3 + 2 2 2 + 2 − 1
= 16 − 7 8 + 2 4 + 1
= 16 − 56 + 8 + 1
= −31
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 2: Evaluate the polynomial function

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3.
Solution:
3. Substitute 𝑥 = 3 to 𝑃(𝑥).

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1
𝑃 3 = (3)4 −7 3 3 + 2 3 2 + 3 − 1
= 81 − 7 27 + 2 9 + 2
= 81 − 189 + 18 + 2
= −88
 Solution to Let’s Practice

Example 2: Evaluate the polynomial function

𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3.
Solution:
Thus, the values of 𝑃(𝑥) at 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3 are 𝟖, −𝟑𝟏, and −𝟖𝟖,
respectively.
 Try It!

Individual Practice:

1. Find the values of 𝑦 in the polynomial function

𝑦 = −7𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 3 when 𝑥 = −2, −1, 2.

2. Find the domain and range of the polynomial function

𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1.
 Try It!

Group Practice: To be done in groups of five

A subdivision water tank is (2𝑥 + 3) m long, (𝑥 − 5) m wide

and (𝑥 + 3) m high. Express the volume 𝑉 of the tank as a
polynomial function in standard form in terms of 𝑥 and then
find the volume when 𝑥 = 8.
 Key Points

● A polynomial function is a function that can be written in

the form 𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 , where 𝑛
(the highest exponent of the variable) is a nonnegative
integer known as the degree of the polynomial and 𝑎𝑛 ,
𝑎𝑛−1 , …, 𝑎0 (the coefficients of the variable) are real
numbers.
o The term 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 , where 𝑎𝑛 is the leading coefficient, is
the leading term of the polynomial function while 𝑎0
is the constant term.
 Key Points

● A polynomial function is in standard form if it is written

in descending powers of the independent variable.

● The domain of a polynomial function is the set of

admissible 𝑥 -values of the polynomial function. The
domain of any polynomial function is the set of real
numbers.
 Key Points

● The range of a polynomial function is the set of

admissible 𝑦-values of the polynomial function. While the
domain of any polynomial function is the set of real
numbers, the range depends on the degree and the sign
of the leading coefficient.
 Bibliography

“Basic knowledge of polynomial functions.” Math Planet. Retrieved 26 April 2019 from
https://bit.ly/2L1JksL

Khan, Salman. “Even & odd polynomials.” Khan Academy. Retrieved 26 April 2019 from
https://bit.ly/2VpU7Rp

Sousa, James. “Read: Define and Identify Polynomial Functions.” Lumen Learning. Retrieved 26 April
2019 from https://bit.ly/2IWkRTa