Chapter 2: Polynomial Functions

In Chapter 1, we studied functions of the form $f(x)=b$ (constant functions), $f(x)=mx+b$, $m\ne 0$ (linear functions), and $f(x)=a{x}^2+bx+c$, $a\ne 0$ (quadratic functions). In each case, we learned how to construct graphs, find zeros, describe behavior, and use the functions in each family to model real-world phenomena. One might wonder about functions of the form $f(x)=a{x}^3+b{x}^2+cx+d$, $a\ne 0$, or functions containing even higher powers of $x$. These are the polynomial functions and are the subject of study in this chapter. As you may recall, polynomials are the result of adding monomials, so we begin our study of polynomial functions with monomial functions.