Unit 1: Polynomial and
Rational Functions
MHF4U_Advanced Functions 12
Nelson: Advanced Functions 12
Lamia Tchoketch Kebir
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MHF4U_Advanced Functions
Lesson 2:
Characteristics of Polynomial Functions in
Factored Form and Transformations of
Cubic and Quartic Functions
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Learning Goals:
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
• Factored form of polynomial function
• How to determine the equation of a polynomial function that describes a
particular graph or situation, and vice versa.
• Transformation of cubic and quartic functions
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MHF4U_Advanced Functions
Characteristics of Polynomial Functions in Factored Form
• Goal: Determine the equation of a polynomial function that
describes a particular graph or situation, and vice versa.
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What is the relationship between the real roots of a polynomial
equation and the x-intercepts of the corresponding polynomial MHF4U_Advanced Functions
function?
The graphs of the functions 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 12 and
𝑔 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 12 are shown.
Solve the equations 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑔 𝑥 = 0 using the given
functions.
Compare your solutions with the graphs of the functions.
What do you notice?
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family of polynomial
functions
a set of polynomial functions whose
equations have the same degree and whose
graphs have common characteristics; for
example, one type of quadratic family has
the same zeros or x-intercepts.
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
Order/multiplicity:
the exponent to which each factor in an algebraic expression is raised; for
example, in 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 3 2 (𝑥 − 1), the order of (𝑥 − 3) is 2 and the order of
(𝑥 − 1) is 1
Sketch the graphs of the following functions using a graphing calculator,
and describe the shape of the graph near the zeros.
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𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 2 (𝑥 + 3)
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𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 3 (𝑥 + 3)
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
Order and x-Intercepts
If r is a zero of even multiplicity, then the graph
touches the x-axis and turns around at r.
If r is a zero of odd multiplicity, then the graph
crosses the x-axis at r.
Regardless of whether the multiplicity of a zero
is even or odd, graphs tend to flatten out near
zeros with multiplicity greater than one.
Example 1: Using reasoning to draw a graph from the 11
equation of a polynomial function
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
• Sketch a possible graph of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1) 𝑥 − 3 2
Example 2: Using reasoning to determine the equation of a 12
function from given information
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
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• Write the equation of a cubic function that has zeros at -2, 3, and .
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• The function also has a y-intercept of 6.
Example 3: Representing the graph of a polynomial function 13
with its equation
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
• Write the equation of the function shown below.
• State the domain and range of the function.
Example 4: Representing the equation of a polynomial 14
function with its graph
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
• Sketch the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 .
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Key Concepts
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
• If r is a zero of even multiplicity, then the graph touches the x-axis
and turns around at r.
• If r is a zero of odd multiplicity, then the graph crosses the x-axis at r.
• Regardless of whether the multiplicity of a zero is even or odd,
graphs tend to flatten out near zeros with multiplicity greater than
one.
• Homework: Nelson, Advanced Functions:
• page 146: 1-4, page 147: 6, 9-10, page 148: 11-12
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MHF4U_Advanced Functions
Transformations of Cubic and Quartic Functions
• Goal: Describe and perform transformations on cubic and
quartic functions.
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Recall: A transformed function has the general equation of MHF4U_Advanced Functions
𝑓 𝑥 =𝑎𝑓 𝑘 𝑥−𝑑 + 𝑐, where a, k, d, and c are real numbers.
• The value of a results in a vertical stretch by a factor a.
• The value of k results in a horizontal compression by a factor of 1/k.
• The value of d results in a horizontal translation to the right by d units.
• The value of c results in a vertical translation up by c units.
Example 1: Using reasoning to determine transformations
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• Describe the transformations that must be applied to 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 to graph MHF4U_Advanced Functions
1 3
𝑦 = −8 𝑥 +1 − 3, and then graph this function.
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Key Concepts
MHF4U_Advanced Functions
𝑛
• The polynomial function 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑘 𝑥 − 𝑑 + 𝑐 can be graphed by applying
transformations to the graph of the parent function 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑛 , where 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁.
• Each point (𝑥, 𝑦)on the graph of the parent function changes to
𝑥
( + 𝑑, 𝑎𝑦 + 𝑐)
𝑘
• When using transformations to graph a function in the fewest steps, you
can apply a and k together, and then c and d together.
• Homework: Nelson, Advanced Functions:
• page 155: 1, page 157: 6, 9-10, page 148: 11-12
