Learning Outcomes
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Determine if a given function is a polynomial function
- Determine the degree and leading coefficient of a polynomial function
- Identify graphs of polynomial functions
- Identify general characteristics of a polynomial function from its graph
Polynomial functions are both powerful and versatile. In this module, you’ll learn about the basic characteristics of polynomial functions and the behavior of their graphs in the plane as well as techniques for working with them algebraically. You’ve seen already that polynomial functions such as quadratics and linear functions can be combined arithmetically. In this module, you’ll learn to divide them, too. Before beginning the study of these interesting functions, though, it will be helpful to refresh your knowledge of their basic characteristics and get some practice identifying them.
Warm up for this module by refreshing important concepts and skills you’ll need for success. As you study these review topics, recall that you can also return to Algebra Essentials any time you need to refresh the basics.
Recall for success
Look for red boxes like this one throughout the text. They’ll show up just in time to give helpful reminders of the math you’ll need, right where you’ll need it.
