Chapter 2 Flashcard Review

Front

What is the maximum number of turning points a polynomial function can have?

Back

The maximum number of turning points of a polynomial function is one less than the degree of the polynomial.

Front

What is synthetic division?

Back

Synthetic division is a simplified form of polynomial long division that is used to divide a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x - c).

Front

How do you determine the domain of a rational function?

Back

The domain of a rational function is all real numbers except where the denominator is zero.

Front

What is end behavior in polynomial functions?

Back

End behavior describes how the values of a polynomial function behave as x approaches positive or negative infinity.

Front

How many zeros can a polynomial function have?

Back

A polynomial function can have as many zeros as its degree.

Front

What is a polynomial function?

Back

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial.

Front

What is a turning point in a polynomial function?

Back

A turning point is a point on the graph of a polynomial where the function changes direction from increasing to decreasing or vice versa.

Front

What is the significance of the leading coefficient in a polynomial?

Back

The leading coefficient determines the end behavior of the polynomial function.

Front

What is the difference between a root and a zero of a polynomial?

Back

A root of a polynomial is a value of x that makes the polynomial equal to zero; it is also referred to as a zero.