Table of contents
- 0. Fundamental Concepts of Algebra3h 29m
- 1. Equations and Inequalities3h 27m
- 2. Graphs1h 43m
- 3. Functions & Graphs2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 54m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Measuring Angles40m
- 8. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 9. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 10. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 11. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trig Equations1h 41m
- 12. Trigonometric Identities 2h 34m
- 13. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 14. Vectors2h 25m
- 15. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 16. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 17. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
- 18. Systems of Equations and Matrices3h 6m
- 19. Conic Sections2h 36m
- 20. Sequences, Series & Induction1h 15m
- 21. Combinatorics and Probability1h 45m
- 22. Limits & Continuity1h 49m
- 23. Intro to Derivatives & Area Under the Curve2h 9m
4. Polynomial Functions
Understanding Polynomial Functions
Struggling with Precalculus?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Based ONLY on the maximum number of turning points, which of the following graphs could NOT be the graph of the given function? f(x)=x3+1
A
B
C

1
Understand the concept of turning points: A turning point is where the graph changes direction from increasing to decreasing or vice versa.
For a polynomial function of degree n, the maximum number of turning points is n - 1.
The given function is f(x) = x^3 + 1, which is a cubic polynomial. Therefore, it can have at most 2 turning points (3 - 1 = 2).
Analyze each graph: The first graph has 2 turning points, the second graph has 1 turning point, and the third graph has 3 turning points.
Identify the graph that does not fit: Since the function can have at most 2 turning points, the third graph with 3 turning points cannot be the graph of the given function.
Watch next
Master Introduction to Polynomial Functions with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learning