Grade

10

MATHEMATICS
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 1
MELC 1, 2 & 3

Polynomial
Functions
PART I.
MELC 1: Illustrates polynomial functions

A. Introduction and discussion

The polynomial function is one of the most useful functions in mathematics. Two particular
polynomial functions that have already been discussed are the linear and quadratic functions.
However, there are many real-life situations that make use of other polynomial functions as models.
In this module, you will learn to:

1. illustrate polynomial functions,

2. understand, describe and interpret the graphs of polynomial functions, and
3. solve problems involving polynomial functions.
Let us recall that a polynomial in the variable x of degree n is an algebraic expression of the
form, a n x n  a n 1 x n 1  a n  2 x n  2  ...  a 2 x 2  a1 x  a 0, where n is a nonnegative integer and
an , an 1, an  2,..., a1, a0 are real numbers.

The following expressions are polynomials:

1 4
6x  1 7 x 2  5 x  3 x  x 3  2x 2  4 x  1
3
The following expressions are not polynomials:
4
 7x  4 2x 2  1  9 x  3x  4
x2 3x  4
Using the notation of a function, we say that a polynomial function is a function of the form
f ( x )a n x n  a n 1x n 1  a n  2 x n  2  ...  a 2 x 2  a1x  a0, , where a n ,a n 1,a n  2,... a 2,a1, and
a 0 are real numbers, a n  0 , and n is a nonnegative integer. The function is said to be of degree n,
a n is the leading coefficient, and a n x n is the leading term. If a 0  0 , then a 0 is called the constant
term. This is called the standard form of a polynomial function.

B. Illustrative Examples:
Let us consider the following examples of polynomial functions.
The function f ( x )  6x  1 is of degree 1. This is also called a linear function. The leading
coefficient is 6, the leading term is 6x, and the constant term is 1.
The function f ( x )  7x 2  5x  3 is of degree 2. This is also called a quadratic function. The
leading coefficient is -7, the leading term is 7 x 2 and the constant term is 3.
1
The function f ( x )  3 x  2x 2  x 3 is of degree 3. This is called a cubic function. The leading
3
1 1
coefficient is and the leading term is x 3 . The function has no constant term. Sometimes, we
3 3
need to write polynomials and polynomial functions in factored form. Let us try the following:
Write each polynomial function in factored form:
1. f(x) = x  1( x 2  5 x  6)
 
2. f(x) = x 2  x  6 x 2  6x  9 
3. y = x 3  3x 2  4x  12
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 The preceding task is very important for you since it has something to do with the
x-intercepts of a graph. These are x-values when y = 0, thus, the point(s) where the graph intersects
the x-axis can be determined.


Consider: #1. f(x) = x  1 x 2  5 x  6  #3. y = x 3  3x 2  4x  12

= x  1x  3x  2 = x  2x  2x  3

 
#2. f(x) = x 2  x  6 x 2  6x  9 
= x  3x  2( x  3)(x  3)
When the value of y or f(x) = 0, the resulting values of x are the x-intercepts. Therefore, in item 1, the
x-intercepts are: 1, 3, and 2 ; while in item 2, the x-intercepts are -3, 2 and 3, and in item 3, the x-
intercepts are -2, 2, and -3..
To recall the relationship between factors and x-intercepts, consider the next example:
Find the intercepts of y  x 3  4x 2  x  6

Solution: To find the x-intercepts, set y = 0. Use the factored form. That is,

y  x 3  4x 2  x  6 Factor completely,

y  ( x  1)(x  2)(x  3) equate y to 0.

x  1 0 x 2  0 x 3  0 Equate each factor to 0

x  1 x 2 x 3 to determine x.

The x-intercepts are -1, 2, and 3. This means the graph will pass through (-1,0), (2,0), and (3,0).
To find the y-intercept, simply set x = 0 in the given polynomial. That is,

y  x 3  4x 2  x  6

y  03  4(0)2  0  6
y=6; The y-intercept is 6. This means the graph will also pass through (0, 6).

MELC 2: Understands, describes, and interpret the graphs of polynomial functions

A. Introduction and Discussion
We will now be shown polynomial functions and their corresponding graphs:
The graph below is defined by:

y  x 3  2x 2  11x  12;

or in factored form
y  x  3x  1x  4

The table of signs helps make the rough sketch of the graph of the function
y  x  3x  1x  4 It can be constructed as shown below.

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 The table of signs:
Interval
x < -3 -3 < x < 1 1 <x<4 x>4
Test Value -4 0 3 5
x+3 - + + +
x-1 - - + +
x-4 - - - +
y = (x + 3) (x -1) (x-4) - + - +
Position of the curve relative to Below Above Below above
the x-axis

Following the above considerations,

the graph can be sketched as shown
at the right

B. Illustrative Examples:
The above discussion tells us how we can simply draw the graphs by using the table of signs.
In addition, when we are given the equation of a polynomial function, we can describe its general
trend, especially at the ends, which we call the end-behavior of the graph.

Study the following polynomial functions and their corresponding graphs.

Case 1. The graph on the right is defined by

y = (4x + 3) (x-1) (x -4)
The observations on the graph are:
1. The leading coefficient is a positive number.
2. The degree of the polynomial is odd
3. The end behavior of the graph is falling
to the left and rising to the right.

Case 2: The graph on the right is defined by

y = -3x5 +3x4 +x3 – 7x2 + 4
The observations on the graph are:
1. The leading coefficient is a negative number.
2. The degree of the polynomial is odd
3. The end behavior of the graph is rising to the
left and falling to the right.

Case 3: The graph on the right is defined by

y = 3x4 +x3 – 7x2 + 6x
The observations on the graph are:
1. The leading coefficient is a positive number.
2. The degree of the polynomial is even
3. The end behavior of the graph is
rising on both sides.

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Case 4: The graph on the right is defined by
y = -2x4 + 4x3 + 6x2 - 8x – 8
The observations of the graph are:
1. The leading coefficient is a negative number.
2. The degree of the polynomial is even
3. The end behavior of the graph is
falling on both sides.

Based on the leading coefficient and the degree of the polynomial, the end-behavior of the graph
can be predicted, as illustrated by the four cases above. This is called the Leading Coefficient Test.

MELC 3: Solves problems using polynomial functions

A. Introduction and Discussion

One of the goals in mathematics is to be able to apply the concepts learned to real-life
situations and problem-solving. To be able to do this, we may follow these steps:

1. Read and understand the problem.

2. Illustrate through a figure when necessary and label the parts.
3. Represent the given and unknown quantities using a variable, usually x.
4. Write the polynomial function relating the given quantities
5. Solve for the unknown quantities.

B. Illustrative Examples:
Example 1
During the COVID 19 pandemic, online selling boomed in almost every place. One of the
demands is the manufacture of boxes for delivering the goods. A cardboard box manufacturer wishes
to make open boxes from pieces of cardboard of side 9 inches by 16 inches by cutting equal squares
from the four corners and turning up the sides. If x inches is the length of the side of the square to be
cut out,
(a) express the number of cubic inches in the volume of the box as a function of x
(b) find the volume of the box if x = 2 inches
x
Solution: x
(a) The volume of a box is V(x) = (length) (width) (height).

Length = 16 – 2x
Width = 9 – 2x
Height = x
Therefore, V(x) = (16 – 2x) (9 – 2x)(x)
or V ( x )  4x 3  50 x 2  144 x
(b) When x -= 2 inches:
V (2)  4(2)3  50(2)2  144(2)
V (2)  32  200  288
Volume = 120 cubic inches

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Example 2
Mangaldan is a town in Pangasinan that is famous for the tasty and tender beef tapa, which is
often locally called pindang. After deducting the cost of materials and the labor paid, a
businesswoman, Aling Kara, observed that her profits is a function of the number of packs that she
sells, and is given by the equation P( x )  .00005 x 3  x  10 pesos, where x represents the number of
packs sold. Using the given polynomial function, answer the following questions:
(a) How much is Aling Kara’s profit if she sold 50 packs?
(b) How many packs did Aling Kara sell if she earned a profit of Php 4,246.00?
Solution:
(a) P( x )  .00005 x 3  x  10 ; at x = 50
P( x )  .00005(50)3  50  10 Substitute x with 50
P(x) = 62.5 + 2,500 – 10 Perform the operations
P(x) = Php2,552.50 Simplify answer
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(b) P( x )  .00005 x  x  10 ; What is x when P(x) = 4,246?
4246  .00005 x 3  x  10 Substitute P(x) with 4,246
0  .00005 x 3  x  10  4246 Collect all terms on one side
0.0005 x 3  x  4256  0 Place zero at the right side of equation
0.0005( x 3  100000 x  8512000 )  0 Factor out 0.0005

x 3  100000 x  8512000  0 Divide whole equation by 0.0005

( x  80)(x 2  80 x  106400 )  0 Factor the polynomial.
x = 80 packs of tapa Apply Zero-Product Property
Note: the second factor does not give a real root/answer

Note:
1. A polynomial function is a function in which the variable has non-negative integral
exponents and coefficients that are real numbers.
2. The end-behavior of the graph of a polynomial function can be predicted based on its
degree and leading coefficient. When the degree is odd, the left and right ends will have
opposite trends (one is rising, the other is falling), while if the degree is even, the left and
right ends will have the same trends. To determine whether the graph rises or falls at the
ends, we use the Leading Coefficient Test.
3. We can solve real-life problems using polynomial functions if we can represent given and
unknown quantities using a variable and write an equation or function relating them

PART II. Activities

Activity 1.
Directions: Tell whether the following is a polynomial function or not. Explain your answer.
1. f ( x )  4x 3  4x 2  4x  12
3
2. f ( x )  2x 4  8 x 4  2x 2  x  6
3. f ( x )  3 x 3  5 x 2  12x  5
4. f ( x )  8 x 5  10x 3  6 x  3
5. f ( x )  4 x 3  3 x 2  5 x  5
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Activity 2.
Directions: To show that polynomial function can also be illustrated in factored form match
column A with that of column B. Show your solutions.
Polynomial Function in Factored Form Polynomial Function in Standard Form
1. f ( x )  x 2 ( x  5) A. f ( x )  x 2  4 x  12
2. f ( x )  ( x  2)( x  6) B. f ( x )  x 3  x 2  5 x  3
3. f ( x )  2x( x  2)( x  3)
C. f ( x )  x 3  2x 2  5 x  10
4. f ( x )  ( x 2  5)( x  2)
D. f ( x )  x 3  5 x 2
5. f ( x )  ( x 2  2x  1)( x  3)
E. f ( x )  2x 3  2x 2  12x

Activity 3.
Direction: Consider the given polynomial functions and fill in the table.
Polynomial Function Degree Leading Constant Term
Coefficient
1. f ( x )  x 3  3 x 2  x  6
2. f ( x )  2x 4  x 3  x 2  10x  5
3. f ( x )  8 x 2  3 x 5

Activity 4.
Directions: Determine the x-intercept/s and y-intercept of the given polynomial functions.
Show your solutions. Draw the graphs.
1. y   x( x  2)( x  1)( x  3)
x-intercepts: ______,______,______,______ y-intercept: ___________
2. y  ( x  3)( x  1)( x  2)
x-intercepts: ______,______,______ y-intercept: ___________

Activity 5.
A. Complete the table.
Leading Behavior of the Graph:
Coefficient: Degree: Rising or Falling
Polynomial Function
Positive or Even or Odd
Negative Left Hand Right Hand
1. y   x 2  6 x  7
2. y  x 3  2x 2  1
3. y   x 5  4x 3  x  1
4. y  x 2  2
5. y  x 3  2x 2  3

B. Sketch the general shape of each function by applying the Leading Coefficient Test.
1. y   x 2  6 x  7 4. y   x 5  3 x 3  2
2. y  x 3  2x 2  1 5. y   2x 2  12x  12
3. y  x2  2

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Activity 6.
Directions: Solve the following problems. Show your solutions.
1. A rectangular garden is to be placed so that a side of a house serves as a boundary and 150
feet of fencing material is to be used for the other three sides. If x meters is the length of the
side of the garden that is parallel to the house, express the number of square feet in the area
of the garden as a function of x.

2. Water is being drained from a swimming pool. The volume of water in the pool in liters, t
minutes after the draining starts is given by the function V (t )  300(2500  100t  t 2 )
a. Find the volume of water in the pool after 7 minutes
b. When will the pool be completely drained?

3. In a forest, a predator feeds on prey, and the predator population at anytime is a function of
the number of preys in the forest at that time. Supposed that when there are x preys in the
1 2
forest, the predator population y is given by y  x  95 Furthermore, if t weeks have
8
elapsed since the end of the hunting season, x = 5t +75.
a. Eight weeks after the closed of the hunting season, how many preys are in the forest?
b. What is the predator population (after 8 weeks)?

KEY ANSWER

5. Not PF, variables in the polynomial expressions should not have a negative exponent.
4. Polynomial function, all of the variables have integer exponents that are positve.
3. Polynomial function, all of the variables have integer exponents that are positve.
2. Not PF, variables in the polynomial expressions should not have fractional exponents.
1. Polynomial function, all of the variables have integer exponents that are positive.
Activity 1.

5. B 4. C 3. E 2. A 1. D
Activity 2.

0 3 5 3.

5 2 4 2.

-6 1 3 1.
Coefficient
Constant Term Leading Degree Polynomial Function
Activity 3.

y-intercept: = -6 2. x-intercepts: = -3, -1, and 2

y-intercept: = 0 1. x-intercepts: = 0, -2, 1, and 3

Activity 4.

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 9
5.
4. 3.
not rotated.
Graph as is,
2. 1.
B.
Activity 5: A.
Leading Behavior of the Graph:
Coefficient: Degree: Rising or Falling
Polynomial Function
Positive or Even or Odd
Negative Left Hand Right Hand
1. Negative even Falling Falling
2. Positive odd Falling Rising
3. Negative odd Rising Falling
4. Positive even Rising Rising
5. Positive odd Falling Rising
 Activity 6:

1.

2. a.

b. t = 50 minutes

3. a. x = 115 preys

b. y = 1 748 predators

PART III. Assessment

Directions: Select the letter of the correct answer. Show solutions when needed.

1. Which of the following is a polynomial function?

A. f (x) = -4x4 + 1 C. f (x) = x1/6 + 4x2
B. f (x) = √ D. f(x) = 5x-6 + 6x + 4

2. What should n be if f(x) = xn defines a polynomial function?

A. Any number except 0 C. an integer
B. any number D. a non-negative integer

3. What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial 5x9 + 4x8 +4x5 + x3 + x?

A. 3 B.5 C. 8 D. 9

4. What is the leading term of a polynomial P(x) = x2 (x + 2) (x +3)?

A. x2 B. x4 C. 3x3 D. 6x2

5. What are the end behaviors of the graph of f(x) = -2x+x3+3x5-4?

A. Rises to the left and falls to the right B. Rises in both directions
C. Falls in both directions D. Falls to the left and rises to the right

6. What is the behavior of the graph of y = x2 (x – 1) along the x – axis?

A. The graph crosses both (0, 0) and (1, 0)
B. The graph crosses x-axis at (1, 0) and is tangent to the x – axis at (0, 0)
C. The graph crosses x-axis at (0, 0) and is tangent to the x – axis at (1, 0)
D. The graph is tangent to the x – axis at both (0,0) and (1,0).

7. How should the polynomial function f(x)=2x+x3+3x5+4 be written in standard form?

A. f(x)=x3+2x+3x5+4 C. f(x)=3x5+x3+2x+4
5
B. f(x)=4+3x +2x+x D. f(x)=4+2x+x3+3x5

8. What is the degree of the polynomial function f(x)=x3(x-3)(x-4)2?

A. 5 B. 4 C.3 D. 0

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9. A car manufacturer determined that its profit P, in thousands of pesos, can be modelled by the
function P =0.000125x4 + x – 3, where x represents the number of cars sold. What is the profit (in
thousands) at x = 250?
A. Php 101.25 C. Php 5,265,000.00
B. Php 488,528.25 D. Php10,125,297.00

10. A demographer predicts that the population (P) of a town t years from now can be modeled by a
function P(t)=6t4-5t3+200t+12,000. What will be the population of the town 3 years from now?
A. 12 456 B.12 951 C.124 560 D.1 295 100

11. What is the constant term of the polynomial function f(x)= x2(5x+3)(3x-7)?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 0

12. At most how many turning points does the polynomial function f(x)=x3(x2-2)(x+5)?
A. 2 B. 4 C.5 D. 6

13.What are the x-intercepts of the polynomial F(x)=x(x-2)(x+5)(x+4)?

A. 0, 2, -5, -4 B. 1, -2, 5, 4 C.0, -2, 5, 4 D. 1, 2, -5, -4

14. The total number of hexagons in a honeycomb can be modeled by the function f(x)= 3x2
- 3x+1, where x is the number of rings and f(x) is the number of hexagons. How many hexagons does
a honeycomb with 9 rings have?
A. 39 B.96 C. 217 D. 271

15. Which of the following is the sketch of the polynomial function f ( x )  x 3  2x 2  5x  6

A. C.

B. D.

REFERENCES:

1. Department of Education. Mathematics – Grade 10 Learner’s Module. Rex Bookstore, Inc., Paisg
City, Philippines, 2015.
2. Orines, Fernando B., et.al. Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics.Phoenix Publishing
House, Quezon City, Philippines, 2014.

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