Learning Guide Module

Subject Code Math 3 Mathematics 3

Module Code 4.0 Graphs of Polynomial and Rational Functions
Lesson Code 4.4 Sketching the graph of a polynomial function
Time Frame 30 minutes

TARGET Time Allocation: 1 minute

Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to sketch the graph of a polynomial
function.

HOOK Time Allocation: 7 minutes

Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

Having discussed several concepts about the graph of polynomial functions in the previous
lessons, you are now ready to sketch the graph of polynomial functions using the important properties
of polynomial functions that you have learned.

But before we proceed, allow yourself to play the role of a “matchmaker” in the following
exercises. Your goal is to find a perfectly matched function to the graph given to you. You will work
on few challenges crafted to enhance your understanding on roots, multiplicity, vertical dilation, and
end behavior. You may still be aided by your graphing app for ease of going through the activity.

Let the challenge begin!

1. Replace the △ symbols in the row function with the

correct number to match the graph on the right
𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 +△)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 −△).

Final Answer:

Mathematics 3 | Page 1 of 6
 2. Replace △ symbols in the row function with the correct
number to match the graph on the right
𝑓(𝑥) =△ (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 −△).

Hint: Since it rises to the left and falls to the right, try
something negative. Try a value between −1 and −2.

Final Answer:

3. Write a polynomial function in factored form that

matches the graph on the right. Calculate the value of 𝑎
given that (0,100) is a point on the graph.

Final Answer:

So how did you go through the activity? Do you think it helped that you already know concepts
such as zeros/roots, end behavior, multiplicity, intercepts?

Note:This activity is not graded.

Mathematics 3 | Page 2 of 6
 IGNITE Time Allocation: 10 minutes
Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

Now we are ready to set aside our graphing app and get engaged with a method for getting a
rough sketch of a general polynomial function. The most important information we need is a complete
list of all the zeros and their corresponding multiplicity, and the value of 𝑎 that dictates its vertical
dilation. In the succeeding discussion, either the list of zeros will be given, or the zeros of the function
will be easy to find. Let us consider the following examples.

Example 1:

1
Consider the Legendre Polynomial defined by 𝑃(𝑥) = (5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥) which we have mentioned
2
earlier during the first quarter.

First, we need to apply the leading coefficient test that you have mastered by this time. Since
the leading coefficient is positive and the degree is odd, then we know that the graph eventually falls to
the left and rises to the right.

Second, we find the real zeros of the function by factoring.

1
𝑃(𝑥) = (5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥)
2
1
= 𝑥(5𝑥 2 − 3)
2
√15
Equating the factors to zero shows that the real zeros of 𝑃 are 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = ± , all zeroes
5
of odd multiplicity.

Third, let us find a few additional points as shown on the table.

𝑥 –1 0 1 2
𝑓(𝑥) –1 0 1 17

Fourth, we plot the points and draw the graph by

sketching a continuous curve through the points that we have
identified. From the determined multiplicity, we know that
the graph would simply cross the 𝑥 −axis at 𝑥 = 0 and
√15
𝑥=± .
5

1
Figure 1: Graph of 𝑃(𝑥) = (5𝑥 3 − 3𝑥)
2

Mathematics 3 | Page 3 of 6
Example 2:

This time we consider 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 12𝑥.

Just as what we did in the first example, let us apply the leading coefficient test. The leading coefficient
is positive, and the degree of 𝑓 is even, then we know that the graph eventually rises both to the left and
to the right.

Second, we find the real zeros of the function by factoring.

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 12𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥(𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6)
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3)
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)

Equating the factors to zero shows that the real zeros of 𝑓 are 𝑥 = 0, 2, 3, −1, all of odd
multiplicity.

Third, let us find a few additional points as shown on the table.

𝑥 −0.581 0 1 2.581
𝑓(𝑥) −4.5 0 8 −4.5

Fourth, we plot the points and draw the graph by sketching a continuous curve through the
points that we have identified. From the determined multiplicity, we know that the graph would simply
cross the 𝑥 −axis at 𝑥 = 0, 2, 3, and −1 .

Figure 2: Graph of 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6

Mathematics 3 | Page 4 of 6
 NAVIGATE Time Allocation: 10 minutes
Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

Sketch the graph of the following functions and complete the requirements on the table. Items marked
with an asterisk (*) are graded.

Leading Zeros and End

Function Graph
Coefficient Multiplicity Behavior
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 5 + 𝑥

*2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 3 +
5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 4 + 1

*4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 2 + 1

KNOT Time Allocation: 2 minutes

Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

During the first quarter, specifically on the lesson about exploring polynomial functions, you
were tasked to search for other polynomial functions that are being used in other learning areas (biology,
chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, economics, geology etc.). Choose only one of the
two that you have written earlier then sketch the graph of the polynomial using the steps provided in
this learning guide. Please accurately identify the zeros and its corresponding multiplicity by writing
them below the graph you sketched. This activity is graded.

References:

1. Albarico, J.M. (2013). THINK Framework. Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.)
Science LINKS. Quezon City: Rex Bookstore Inc
2. Larson, Ron. Hostetler, Robert. Edwards, Bruce (2005). College Algebra: A Graphing
Approach, 4thEdition. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
3. Swokowski, Earl. Cole, Jeffrey (2010). Algebra and Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry.
Classic 12th Edition. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning
4. PSHS System. (2020). Math 1 Chapter 1 Module Version 2 [PDF]. Philippines: PSHS System.
5. PSHS CBZRC. (2020). Template-Editable-1 [DOC]. Batangas: PSHS CBZRC.

Prepared by: Maria Cecilia C. Bastian Reviewed by: Arlene C. Agosto

Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) IV Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) V
Campus: PSHS- CAR Campus: PSHS-CVisC

Mathematics 3 | Page 5 of 6
Answer Key:

NAVIGATE:
Function Leading Zeros and End Graph
Coefficient Multiplicity Behavior
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 5 + 𝑥 Negative, 𝑥 = −1,0,1 Rises to the
odd Odd left, falls to
Multiplicity the right

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 4 + 1 Negative, 𝑥 = −1,1 Falls both

even Odd to the right
multiplicity and left

KNOT:
Answers may vary.

Mathematics 3 | Page 6 of 6
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