Polynomial Functions
1.6 and End Behavior
Practice Set 1
Problems 1 − 6, Use the factored form of the function to identify key characteristics and sketch.
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 2 (𝑥𝑥 + 3) 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥 = −(𝑥𝑥 + 2)(𝑥𝑥 − 1)(𝑥𝑥 − 3)
1. Identify the zeros of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) and state their 2. Identify the zeros of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) and state their
multiplicities. multiplicities.
3. State the end behavior of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) as 𝑥𝑥 increases 4. State the end behavior of g(𝑥𝑥) as 𝑥𝑥 increases
without bound and as 𝑥𝑥 decreases without without bound and as 𝑥𝑥 decreases without
bound. Give a reason to justify your answer. bound. Give a reason to justify your answer.
5. Sketch a possible graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) using the 6. Sketch a possible graph of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) using the zeros,
zeros, multiplicities and end behavior stated. multiplicities and end behavior stated.
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Problems 7 − 13, For each of the functions graphed below, answer the following questions.
Graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) Graph of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) Graph of ℎ(𝑥𝑥)
7. State the end behavior for the functions, 𝑓𝑓, 𝑔𝑔, and ℎ as 𝑥𝑥 decreases without bound.
8. State end behavior for the functions, 𝑓𝑓, 𝑔𝑔, and ℎ as 𝑥𝑥 increases without bound.
9. For each function, state the zeros and their multiplicity.
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) 𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙) 𝒉𝒉(𝒙𝒙)
10. For each function, state the degree and the sign of the leading coefficient.
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) 𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙) 𝒉𝒉(𝒙𝒙)
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Problems 11 – 16, , The table below shows function values of 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎𝑥𝑥 3 + 5𝑥𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑥 + 𝑐𝑐. Use the
equation of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) and the table to answer the questions that follow.
𝒙𝒙 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5
𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙) −214 −84 −16 8 6 −4 −4 24 98 236 456
11. Determine the end behavior of 𝑔𝑔 as 𝑥𝑥 increases without bound and as 𝑥𝑥 decreases without bound.
12. Based on the degree and the end behavior of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) what must be true about the sign of the leading
coefficient of the equation? Justify your answer.
13. Use the given data to find to write two equations you could use to find the values for the constants
𝑎𝑎 and 𝑐𝑐 in the expression for 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥).
14. What is the value for the constant 𝑐𝑐? Justify your answer.
Substitute the known values into the equations and solve for c
15. Use your answer for the value of 𝑐𝑐 and the point −1,6 to find the value of 𝑎𝑎. Show your work.
16. Find all the values of 𝑥𝑥 for which 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥 = 0. You may use your calculator.
(1.39503, 0)
(-3.48346,0)
(-0.41156, 0)
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Problem 17 - 22, The table below shows function values of ℎ 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎𝑥𝑥 3 − 2𝑥𝑥 2 + 7.5𝑥𝑥 + 𝑐𝑐.
Use the equation of ℎ(𝑥𝑥) and the table to answer the questions that follow.
The only roots of ℎ 𝑥𝑥 lie on the interval −2 < 𝑥𝑥 < 3
𝒙𝒙 −4 −2 0 2 4
𝒉𝒉(𝒙𝒙) 75 2 9 0 −121
17. Determine the end behavior of ℎ as 𝑥𝑥 increases without bound and as 𝑥𝑥 decreases without bound.
18. Based on the degree and the end behavior of ℎ(𝑥𝑥) what must be true about the sign of the leading
coefficient of the equation? Justify your answer.
19. Use the given data to find to write two 20. Find the value of 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑐𝑐. Show your work.
equations you could use to find the values for
the constants 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 in the expression for
ℎ(𝑥𝑥).
a=b=-2
A=-2
21. Write the following statement in limit 22. Write the following limit in verbal form:
notation: “As 𝑥𝑥 increases without bound, lim 𝑝𝑝 𝑥𝑥 = ∞
𝑥𝑥→−∞
𝑞𝑞(𝑥𝑥) decreases without bound.”
x→∞limh(x)=∞
As x approaches infinity, the value of h ( x ) increases
without bound.
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