Unit 3: Functions/Polynomial Arithmetic

Hey everyone, welcome to Unit 3 of Algebra 1! In this unit, we’ll dive into two important
areas: Functions and Polynomial Arithmetic. These topics are essential as they form the
foundation of many advanced algebra concepts and real-world applications.

First, we’ll begin by understanding functions, which are crucial for describing relationships
between variables. You’ll learn how to define, evaluate, and work with functions to model
various scenarios. Then, we’ll move into polynomial arithmetic, which involves performing
operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and factoring) on polynomials.

Mastering these skills will not only help you in this course but also in higher-level mathematics
and practical problem-solving. So, let’s break it down step by step and build our understanding
of functions and polynomials. Get ready to dive into some exciting math concepts! Let’s get
started!

Lesson 1: Function
What is a Function?

A function is a special kind of relation. In a function, each input (domain) must be paired
with exactly one output (range). No input can have more than one output. Functions are
often described as rules that assign one output to each input.

Key point: Every function is a relation, but not every relation is a function.

How to Identify a Function

There are different ways to represent a function, including sets of ordered pairs, tables, graphs,
and equations. The key rule is that for each input, there is exactly one output.

1. Table

A table lists inputs and corresponding outputs in rows or columns. To check if a table
represents a function, look for repeated inputs (values in the input column). If an input
corresponds to more than one output, it is not a function.

Not a Function Correct Function

2. Ordered Pairs

In a set of ordered pairs, each pair consists of an input and an output, written as (𝑥, 𝑦).
To check if the set of ordered pairs represents a function, ensure that each input 𝑥 is
paired with only one output.

3. Graph

You can use the Vertical Line Test to determine if a graph represents a function. The
Vertical Line Test states that if a vertical line intersects the graph at more than
one point, then the graph does not represent a function.

Function Not Function

 4. Equation

For an equation, if you can solve for 𝑦 and get only one value of 𝑦 for each value of 𝑥, then
the equation represents a function. Common types of functions include linear
functions, quadratic functions, and exponential functions.

Example 1: Classify the table below as either a function or not a function. Justify your
answer.

a. b. c.
Example 2: Classify the ordered pair below as either a function or not a function.
Justify your answer.

a.

b.

Example 3: Classify the graph below as either a function or not a function. Justify your
answer.

a. b.
Example 4: Classify the equation below as either a function or not a function. Justify
your answer.

a.

b.

c.

d.
e.
Lesson 1 Exercise:
Classify the different type of functions below as either a function or not a
function. Justify your answer.
4.

5.

6.

7.
8.

9.
10.

11.

12.
Lesson 2: Function Notation
Function Notation:

Example 1: if , this means that for every value of 𝑥, the output

is determined by multiplying 𝑥 by 3 and subtracting 5.
a. Find

b. Find

c. Find
Practice: Given the Function:
a. Find

b. Find

c. Find

Practice: Given the Function:

a. Find

b. Find

c. Find
Lesson 2 Exercise:
1.
2.
3. The graph of the function g(𝑥) is shown.

(a) Find g(3)

(b)Find g(-2)

(c) Find the y-intercept of g

(d) For what value(s) of 𝑥 will g(𝑥) = 2

(e) For what value(s) of 𝑥 will g(𝑥) = 0

4. The function 𝑓 is shown in the table below

(f) Evaluate 𝑓 (2)

(g) Find the y-intercept of 𝑓

(h) Solve 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3

(i) For what value(s) of 𝑥 will 𝑓(𝑥) = 0

Lesson 3: Domain and Range
What is Domain and Range?

Example 1. Find the domain and range of the function defined by the table below.
Justify your answer.

𝑥 𝑦

-2 2

-1 5

0 9

1 14

2 20

Domain:

Range:
Practice: Find the domain and range of the function defined by the table below. Justify
your answer.

𝑥 𝑦

0 12

2 13

4 14

6 15

8 -1

Domain:

Range:

Example 2. Find the domain and range of the function defined by the graphs below.
Justify your answer.

a.

Domain:

Range:
 b.

Domain:

Range:

Example 3. Find the domain and range of the function Justify your
answer.

Domain:

Range:

Example 4. Find the domain and range of the function Justify your
answer.

Domain:

Range:
Practice: Find the domain and range of the function Justify your answer.

Domain:

Range:

Example 5. Find the domain and range of the function Justify your
answer.

Domain:

Range:

Practice: Find the domain and range of the function Justify your answer.

Domain:

Range:

Practice: Find the domain and range of the function Justify your answer.

Domain:

Range:
Lesson 3 Exercise:
Find the domain and range of the function. Justify your answer.
1.

𝑥 𝑦

0 -1

1 -2

2 -3

3 -4

4 -5

Domain: Range:

2.
a. b.

Domain: Domain:

Range: Range:
3.

a.

Domain: Range:

b.

Domain: Range:

c.

Domain: Range:

d.

Domain: Range:
Lesson 4: Classify Polynomials
What is Polynomials:
A polynomial is an algebraic expression made up of terms, which are combinations of
numbers and variables raised to non-negative integer powers.

Classifying Polynomials by Number of Terms

Monomials Binomials Trinomials Polynomials with

Four or More Terms
A polynomial A polynomial with A polynomial with Simply referred to as
with one two terms. three terms. polynomials (no special
term. name for more than three
terms).
Practice: Classifying the given expressions into monomials, binomials, and trinomials.
Justify your answer.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

Classifying Polynomials by Degree

Constant Polynomial: A polynomial Any Real Number

with degree 0 (no variable)

Linear Polynomial: A polynomial with

degree 1

Quadratic Polynomial: A polynomial

with degree 2

Cubic Polynomial: A polynomial with

degree 3

Quartic Polynomial: A polynomial with

degree 4

Quintic Polynomial: A polynomial with

degree 5
Practice: Classifying the given expressions by their degree. Justify your answer.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

Standard Form of a Polynomial

Leading Term: Coefficient:

Degree: Constant:

Why is this important?

The standard form allows us to easily identify important features like the degree, leading
term, and leading coefficient.
Practice: Write the following Polynomials in standard form, then identify the degree,
leading term, coefficient, and Constant, if any.

1.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

2.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

3.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

Lesson 4 Exercise:
Classifying the given expressions by their degree and number of terms. Justify your
answer.

Write the following Polynomials in standard form, then identify the degree, leading
term, coefficient, and Constant, if any.

9.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

10.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

11.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

12.

Standard Form: Leading Term:

Coefficient: Degree: Constant:

Lesson 5: Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Key Idea when Adding or Subtracting Polynomials we simply just combine the like
term. Recall that the like terms are terms with the same variable raised to the same
power.

Example 1: Add

Practice 1: Add

Practice 2: Add
Example 2: Subtract

Practice 1: Subtract

Practice 2: Subtract
Lesson 5 Exercise:
For each problem, add or subtract the polynomials and combine like terms.
Lesson 5: Multiply and Divide Polynomials
Key Concept: When multiplying polynomials, we use the distributive property,
which allows us to multiply each term in one polynomial by each term in the other.

Multiplying a Monomial by a Polynomial

Example 1: Multiply

Example 2: Multiply
Practice 1: Multiply

Practice 2: Multiply

Practice 3: Multiply
FOIL Method for Multiplying Binomials
What is the FOIL Method?
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, and Last, which are the terms you multiply when
expanding the product of two binomials.

First:

Outer:

Inner:

Last:

After we get all the values, then we add and combine like terms.

Example 1. Multiply
Practice 1: Multiply

Practice 2: Multiply

Multiplying Polynomials Using the Distributive Property

We can also apply the distributive property to multiply polynomials with more than two
terms (such as trinomials or polynomials with more terms).

Example 1: Multiply
Example 2: Multiply

Practice 1: Multiply

Practice 2: Multiply
Dividing Polynomials by Monomial
Key Idea: To divide a polynomial by a monomial, divide each term of the polynomial
individually by the monomial.

Example 1: Divide

Example 2: Divide
Practice 1: Divide

Practice 2: Divide
Lesson 6 Exercise:
Multiplying Monomials and Polynomials
Multiplying Polynomials by Polynomials
Dividing Polynomials by Monomial