3.2 Characteristics of Polynomial Functions

Question 1

what is a leading coefficient

Answer 1

the the number with the highest degree

Question 2

what is an absolute maximum

Answer 2

the greatest value or point on a function

Question 3

what is an absolute minimum

Answer 3

the lowest value or point on a function

Question 4

what is a local maximum

Answer 4

when the function changes from increase the decrease

climbing a mountain

Question 5

what is a local minimum

Answer 5

when the function changes from decrease the increase

like a hole

Question 6

what is a turning point

Answer 6

when the function changes from increase to decrease of vice versa

Question 7

what is the degree of a polynomial

Answer 7

the largest exponential value

Question 8

what is a point of inflection

Answer 8

inflection or inflection point is a point in which the concavity of the function changes. It means that the function changes from concave down to concave up or vice versa.

-not considers a maximum or minimum

Question 9

what is the minimum number of turning points for even degree polynomials

Answer 9

“determine the minimum and maximum number of turning points for each function”

1

Question 10

what is the minimum number of turning points for odd degree polynomials

Answer 10

0

Question 11

how to test if a function is odd

Answer 11

f(x)=-f(-x)
1. make all the x’s negative
2. bracket the operation
3. negative 1 to distribute on the inside of the bracket