Handout
West Contra Costa Unified School District

Using Derivatives to Graph Polynomials

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
You can learn to graph as well as a calculator using calculus. The lesson introduces using derivatives to find critical points needed to graph polynomials. Pupils learn to find local maximums and minimums and intervals of increase...
Lesson Plan
West Contra Costa Unified School District

The Extreme Value Theorem

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Finding the critical numbers of a function can be extreme. The lesson introduces the Extreme Value Theorem to the class with a graph. Pupils then have an opportunity to practice determining the values using an algebraic function.
Handout
Paul Dawkins

Paul's Online Notes: Algebra: Graphing Polynomials

For Students 9th - 10th
Detailed math tutorial features notes and examples that take a look at the process of graphing polynomials.
Handout
Cool Math

Coolmath: Polynomials

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Description and examples to build an understanding of the shapes of polynomials.
Handout
Purple Math

Purplemath: Graphing Rational Functions: Introduction

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
To graph a rational function, you find the asymptotes and the intercepts, plot a few points, and then sketch in the graph. Once you get the swing of things, rational functions are actually fairly simple to graph. This resources provides...
Handout
Purple Math

Purplemath: Graphing Overview: Straight Lines

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This resource provides an overview of graphing for various types of functions, instruction on graphing straight lines and also, includes advice on common mistakes made by students.
Handout
Purple Math

Purplemath: Polynomial Graphs: End Behavior

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Explains how to recognize the end behavior of polynomials and their graphs. Points out the differences between even-degree and odd-degree polynomials, and between polynomials with negative versus positive leading terms.
Handout
Purple Math

Purplemath: Solving Polynomials: How To

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Demonstrates the steps involved in solving a general polynomial, including how to use the Rational Roots Test and synthetic division. Points out when using a graphing calculator can be very helpful.
Handout
Purple Math

Purplemath: Factoring Polynomials: How To

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Demonstrates the steps involved in factoring a general polynomial, including using the Rational Roots Test and synthetic division. Shows how to "cheat" with a graphing calculator.
Handout
Oswego City School District

Regents Exam Prep Center: Factoring Trinomials (A=1)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the Oswego City School District shows students how to factor trinomials when the leading coefficient is equal to 1. The example walks students through the process so they can learn to do it on their own. Includes link to...
Handout
Savvas Learning

Math Captain: End Behavior

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides an explanation of the end behavior of functions. Covers end behavior as it relates to function models, rules, polynomials, asymptote, functions, and graphs.