Polynomial Functions Teacher Resources

Discover relationships between linear and nonlinear functions. Initially, a set of data seems linear, but upon further exploration, pupils realize the data can model an infinite number of functions. Scholars use multiple representations...

Control the computer processing speed with mathematics! Scholars use a computer program to graph color-changing functions. Using complex polynomial functions slows the speed of the program, but simplifying the expression allows the...

Want to move a graphed function up or down? This is called a function translation. This video looks at translating a cubic function up three units. It considers the function in standard form, the graph of the function, and a table of...

Students graph polynomials functions and analyze the end behavior. In this algebra lesson, student differentiate between the different polynomials based on the exponents. They use a TI to help with the graphing.

Students identify the end behavior of polynomial functions. In this algebra lesson, students graph different polynomials functions and find a correlation between exponents and function behavior. They identify the effect the leading...

In this Algebra II worksheet, 11th graders use a graphing calculator to determine the regression equation of the given data, graph polynomial functions, factor polynomials, and determine the quotient and remainder in polynomial division....

Functions behaving badly: the squaring function and the absolute value function are both zero at x=0. Yet when you divide each by x, different things happen. Here, your class will explore each scenario as a means to adding depth to their...

In this college level algebra instructional activity, pupils determine the domain and range of a function, determine the average rate of change given an interval and the function, and graph a polynomial function. The two-page...

Pupils explore a method of checking the sum or difference of polynomials by graphing the problem and the simplified answer and comparing the graphs. 

This performance task gives the population model of different types of flies and asks scholars to analyze the two populations. After interpreting the functions individually, participants compare the two populations and find the time...

Here is a unit test on finding factors and zeros of higher-degree polynomials that could be used as a review or practice test. The Remainder Theorem, Rational Zero Theorem, and Factor Theorem are put into use. While this four-page...

The shortcuts are not just for polynomial functions. Pupils learn the derivatives of the two basic trigonometric functions, cosine and sine. The video provides the derivatives for exponential and logarithmic functions. Learners work...

How many nurses does it take to support one doctor? A project-based activity asks learners to analyze state data to answer this question. Classes create polynomial functions from the data of doctors and nurses over a seven-year...

Root for young mathematicians learning about functions. A set of two problems assesses understanding of polynomial functions and their roots. Scholars select values for a, b, and c, and then create two functions that meet given...

In this polynomial instructional activity, students solve 12 questions. The first five questions deal with the roots of the polynomials. Students state the inverse for one problem and the reciprocal for one problem. They make three...

Students solve quadratic functions. In this solving quadratic functions lesson plan, students determine the height of an object at a given time. Students determine the time at which an object hits the ground. Students answer questions...

Use this complete and very detailed lesson plan to assess your students' understanding of two important behaviors of polynomials. The first is the relationship between the zeros of a polynomial function and the function's graph, and the...

Examine trends in student-to-teacher ratios over time. Building from the first task in the two-part series, classes now explore the pattern of student-to-teacher ratios using a non-linear function. After trying to connect the pattern to...

Multiply the ways your scholars can find the quotient with polynomial division. A activity introduces polynomial division via long division, synthetic division, generic area model, and using the definition of division. Learners then...

Factor polynomial functions that have two and three terms. Using Algeblocks, your class will create models to show their understanding of these concepts.

In this Algebra II/college level activity, students use long and synthetic division to divide polynomials and use the Factor Theorem to show that a given polynomial is a factor of a polynomial function.  The two page activity...

Make a connection between rational expressions and rational functions. Pupils review simplifying and performing operations on rational expressions and recall what it means for two rational expressions to be equivalent based on their...

Explore the patterns of a reciprocal function with an engaging video lesson that compares graphs of reciprocal functions to different polynomial functions. After describing the key features, the instructor explains the patterns that...

Here's a hint: look at the exponents. Scholars watch a video that shows two examples of how to algebraically prove whether a function is even or odd. They then see how the exponents in a polynomial function relate to the determination.