Education Technology

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Subject Area
Math: Precalculus: Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions
Math: College Algebra: Polynomial Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Other Materials
By Michele Patrick
Resource Types
Lessons

Graphs of Polynomial Functions

Activity Overview

The activity begins by having students compare functions to introduce the concept of end behavior. Then they graph cubics and quartics, noting the respective end behaviors for positive and negative leading coefficients. Finally, they compare quadratics to quartics and cubics to quintics to discover that the degree of the polynomial also plays a role in end behavior. They conclude the activity by summarizing their findings.

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached student TI-Nspire document (.tns file) and student worksheet for use during the activity.

During the Activity

Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.

After the Activity

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity.

Subject Area
Math: Precalculus: Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions
Math: College Algebra: Polynomial Functions
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Other Materials
By Michele Patrick
Resource Types
Lessons
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