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Study Guides > Intermediate Algebra

Introduction: Polynomial Functions

Polynomial functions can be used to model a wide variety of things that either grow or shrink, like populations and the area of oil spills. Remember that a polynomial is a mathematical expression of two or more algebraic terms that contain variables and coefficients, and only uses addition, subtraction, and multiplication of non-negative integer exponents. A polynomial function consists of either zero or the sum of a finite number of these non-zero terms, each of which is a product of a number, called the coefficient of the term, and a variable raised to a non-negative integer power. In this module we will combine what we know about functions and polynomials to gain a basic understanding of polynomial functions.

The learning objectives for this lesson include:

  • Define polynomial functions
  • Identify polynomial functions
  • Perform algebraic operations on polynomial functions
  • Identify general characteristics of the graph of a polynomial function from it's algebraic form

The learning activities for this lesson include:

  • Read: Define and Identify Polynomial Functions
  • Self-Check: Define and Identify Polynomial Functions
  • Read: Graphs of Polynomial Functions
  • Self-Check: Graphs of Polynomial Functions
  • Read: Algebra of Polynomial Functions
  • Self-Check: Algebra of Polynomial Functions

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