Name ____________________________________________ Algebra 2 Notes: Section 4.1 Graphing Polynomial Functions In this section you will learn how to identify polynomial functions, evaluate polynomial functions, and to discuss and sketch their graphs. A monomial is a number, a variable, or the product of a number and one or more variables with whole number exponents. A polynomial is a monomial or a sum of monomials. A polynomial function is a function of the form π(π₯) = ππ π₯ π + ππβ1 π₯ πβ1 + β― + π1 π₯ + π0 π2 is the leading coefficient and π is the degree. A polynomial in standard form has its terms written in descending order of exponents from left to right. The end behavior of a functionβs graph is the behavior of the graph as x approaches positive infinity or negative infinity. For the graph ofa polynomial function, the end behavior is determined by the functionβs degree and the sign of its leading coefficient. To graph a polynomial function, first plot points to determine the shape of the graphβs middle portion. Then connect the points with a smooth continuous curve and use what you know about end behavior to sketch the graph. x -2 -1 0 1 2 -2 -1 0 1 2 F(x) x F(x)