POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS Graphing And Analysis (Page 1 of 7)

Let's graph the polynomial function f(x) = -0.005x^4+0.115x^3-0.807x^2+2.06x+2.73. Enter this function as Y1, then try a standard window.

 Y= key. (Clear any previous functions)

 Negation key. 0.005 X,T,theta,n key. Caret key. 4 Plus key. 0.115
 X,T,theta,n key. Caret key. 3 Minus key. 0.807 X,T,theta,n key. x-squared key.
 Plus key. 2.06 X,T,theta,n key. Plus key. 2.73

 ZOOM key. 6: menu selection.

Calculator screen image. Calculator screen image.

A comprehensive graph of a polynomial function should show all intercepts and all relative maxima or minima (turning points). With a standard window we can see one x-intercept and the y-intercept. Because this is a fourth degree polynomial there must be another x-intercept, probably to the right.

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