Polynomial Functions

Click here to open an associated Mathcad worksheet:

Graphic Representation

In the short term, polynomial graphs are recognized by there maxima, minima, and roots. The number of these features is limited only by the degree of the polynomial.

In the long term, polynomial graphs take on only two basic shapes. They either resemble an even power or an odd power:

The case depends entirely on the polynomial's term of highest power.

The above graphs show just a few of the members of the family of polynomial functions. To see how these and other polynomial graphs can be created by tuning the family's parameters, see the associated worksheet.