Algebra 87 - Graphing Polynomial Functions - Part 2

When sketching the graph of a polynomial function, it may not be necessary to calculate numerous points on the graph. Many clues as to the general shape of the graph can be derived if we understand the characteristics that the graphs of all polynomial functions have in common, as well as what the polynomial's leading term tells us about the polynomial's "end behavior" and the number of "turning points". If that polynomial can be written as a product of linear terms, additional information such as the location of the graph's x-intercepts and the way that the graph passes through those intercepts can be determined.