3.2 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs

Coefficient

The numbers a0, a1, a2, ..., an are called the ________ of the polynomial

Constant coefficient

The number a0 is the ___________

Leading coefficient

The number an, the coefficient of the highest power

Leading term

First term in a polynomial, an(x^n)

Monomial

A single term polynomial

Continuous

The graph of a polynomial function is _______, has no breaks, holes, and is a smooth curve

Arrow notation

The notation used to describe end behavior

Zero

If P is a polynomial function, then c is called a _____ of P if P(c)=0

Local maxima

The _______ is the highest point in a given interval

Local minima

The ________ is the lowest point in a given interval

Local extrema

The general term for a local maxima or minima