POLYNOMIAL BASICS

Ontario Expectations C1.5 · · · Connect the factored form of a polynomial with its x-intercept(s)

1. For a polynomial function f (x), its x-intercept

A. is determined from f (0)
B. is(are) the value(s) of x for which f (x) = 0
C. cannot be found if the degree is even
D. depends only on its leading term

b ANS: B – where the function crosses the x-axis; the y-value is 0 at such point(s). The
concept of an x-intercept extends beyond polynomials to other functions.

2. What are the x-intercepts of the polynomial function f (x) = 2(x − 1)(x + 3)
A. −1, 3
B. 1, 2, 3

C. 1, 2, −3
D. 1, −3

b ANS: D – because f (1) = 0 = f (−3).

3. What are the x-intercepts of the polynomial function f (x) = (x − 2)(2x − 1)(3x + 5)
A. −2, − 21 , 53
B. 2, 12 , − 53

C. 2, 12 , − 35
D. 2, 12 , −5

1
= f − 53 .



b ANS: B – because f (2) = 0 = f 2

4. Which of the polynomial functions below have x-intercepts at x = −1, 2, 65 ?

A. (x − 1)(x − 2)(6x − 5)

B. (x − 1)(x − 2)(5x − 6)
C. (x + 1)(x − 2)(6x − 5)
D. (x + 1)(x − 2)(5x − 6)

b ANS: C – just look carefully.

Advanced Functions, Grade 12, University Preparation

 Curriculum Expectations C1.5: Connect factored form with x-intercept(s)

EXAMPLE 1: Determine the least possible degree of the graph below:

b the x-intercepts are x = −1 and x = 1. Since the graph doesn’t change sign around the
second x-intercept x = 1, its multiplicity must be even, meaning that the polynomial contains
(x − 1)2 (or a bigger even number) as factor. The first x-intercept has odd multiplicity, so
a factor of the form (x + 1) is present. Thus, its least possible degree is 3.

EXAMPLE 2: Using the least possible degree obtained above, write an equation for the graph.

b the polynomial contains (x − 1)2 and (x + 1) as factors

b the sign of the leading coefficient is positive, since the degree is odd and the graph
extends from quadrant III to quadrant I
b a possible equation is: y = (x + 1)(x − 1)2

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 Curriculum Expectations C1.5: Connect factored form with x-intercept(s)

EXAMPLE 3: Sketch the graph of y = 2(x − 1)(x − 2)(x + 1)(x + 2).

b the leading coefficient is 2 while the degree is 4, so the end behaviour is from quadrant
2 to quadrant 1
b the x-intercepts are located at x = ±1, ± 2
b the y-intercept is the point (0, 8)
b putting these together, we obtain the graph shown below:
8 y
see me here!
6

x
−2 −1.5 −1 −0.5 0.5 1 1.5 2
−2

−4

−6

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 Curriculum Expectations C1.5: Connect factored form with x-intercept(s)

EXAMPLE 4: Sketch the graph of y = (x − 1)2 (x + 2).

• notice that one of the factors, namely x − 1, is repeated twice; this affects the shape
of the graph (the graph will “bounce” at this point)

• the leading coefficient is 1 while the degree is 3, so the end behaviour is from quadrant
3 to quadrant 1
• the x-intercepts are located at x = 1, − 2
• the y-intercept is at (0, 2)

• putting all these together, we obtain the graph shown below:

8 y
you see me?
6

2
x
−3 −2 −1 1 2
−2

−4

−6

−8

−10

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 Curriculum Expectations C1.5: Connect factored form with x-intercept(s)

EXAMPLE 5: Sketch the graph of y = (x − 1)3 (x + 2).

• notice that the factor x − 1 has an exponent of 3; this will affect the shape of the
graph (the graph will somehow “bend” – instead of “crossing” straight – at this
point)

• the degree of the polynomial is 4 while the leading coefficient is 1, so its end behaviour
is from quadrant 2 to quadrant 1
• the x-intercepts are located at x = 1, − 2
• the point (0, −2) is where the graph cuts the y-axis

• putting these together, we obtain the graph shown below:

8 y
can you see me?
6

2
x
−2 −1.5 −1 −0.5 0.5 1 1.5 2
−2

−4

−6

−8

−10

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 Curriculum Expectations C1.5: Connect factored form with x-intercept(s)

EXAMPLE 6: Sketch the graph of y = (x − 1)2 (x + 2)2 .

• notice that both factors have exponents of 2; this will affect the shape of the graph
• the degree is 4 while the leading coefficient is 1, so the end behaviour will be from
quadrant 2 to quadrant 1

• the x-intercepts are located at x = −2, 1

• the y-intercept is (0, 4)
• putting these together, the graph is sketched below:
10 y
can you see me?

x
−2.5 −2 −1.5 −1 −0.5 0.5 1 1.5

−2

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