Lesson 1
1. Lesson 1
1.6. Explore 2
Module 4: Polynomials

Read “Explore the Math” on pages 274 and 275 of your textbook. In particular, pay attention to the definition for end behaviour. You should also read the definition for turning point on page 275. You will use end behaviour and turning points to help describe the characteristics of polynomial graphs.
Try This 2
Open Polynomial Function Explorer.
Your goal is to determine the following:
- number of possible x-intercepts
- number of possible y-intercepts
- end behaviour
- domain
- range
- number of possible turning points
Drag the blue points to explore the shapes of each type of function. (Click the buttons to change the function type.) It may be helpful to choose “Show x-intercepts” and “Show y-intercept.”
A table like the one that follows will help you organize your results.
Type of Function |
Constant |
Linear |
Quadratic |
Cubic |
Degree |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Example Function |
f(x) = a |
f(x) = ax + b |
f(x) = ax2 + bx + c |
f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d |
Possible Number of |
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|
|
Possible Number of |
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|
|
End Behaviour |
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|
|
|
Domain |
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|
|
|
Range |
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|
|
Number of Possible Turning Points |
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Adapted from PRINCIPLES OF MATHEMATICS 12 by Canavan-McGrath et al. Copyright Nelson Education Ltd. Reprinted with permission.
Save your responses in your course folder.