Summary: Review

Key Concepts

A polynomial function is one whose equation contains only non-negative integer powers on the variable.
The polynomial term containing the highest power on the variable is the leading term, and its degree is the number of the power. The leading coefficient of a polynomial is the coefficient of the leading term.
The graph of a polynomial function describes a smooth, continuous curve.
The domain of all polynomial functions is all real numbers.
Even degree polynomial functions describe graphs whose ends both point up or both point down.
Odd degree polynomial functions describe graphs whose ends points in opposite directions.
The sign of the leading term will determine the direction of the ends of the graph:
- even degree and positive coefficient: both ends point up
- even degree and negative coefficient: both ends point down
- odd degree and positive coefficient: the left-most end points down and the right-most end points up.
- odd degree and negative coefficient: the left-most end points up and the right-most end points down.