Your AP Calculus learners probably have their ID numbers memorized, but have they tried graphing them? Pique your pupils' interest by asking each to create a unique polynomial function based on their ID numbers, and then analyze the...

Birthdays are a time for celebration, and now they're a time for calculation! An AP calculus lesson uniquely explores relationships between a polynomial function and its derivative. Learners create a cubic function based...

Control the computer processing speed with mathematics! Scholars use a computer program to graph color-changing functions. Using complex polynomial functions slows the speed of the program, but simplifying the expression allows the...

Examine trends in student-to-teacher ratios over time. Building from the first task in the two-part series, classes now explore the pattern of student-to-teacher ratios using a non-linear function. After trying to connect the pattern to...

How many nurses does it take to support one doctor? A project-based activity asks learners to analyze state data to answer this question. Classes create polynomial functions from the data of doctors and nurses over a seven-year...

Your algebra learners discover that exponential functions, with a base larger than one, outgrow linear functions when the inputs increase sufficiently. Their analysis includes using a graphing calculator to produce tables.

Calling all subscribers! Model revenue based on individual cell phone subscribers. The project-based learning activity presents a challenge to scholars from a cell phone company. Individuals model data provided to them from the company...

Functions behaving badly: the squaring function and the absolute value function are both zero at x=0. Yet when you divide each by x, different things happen. Here, your class will explore each scenario as a means to adding depth to their...

How can baseball and skeet-shooting be modeled mathematically? Sports lovers and young mathematicians learn how to use quadratic equations and systems of equations to model the flight paths of various objects.

Twenty-two problems present a variety of practice evaluating and graphing polynomials. They are given with each step to the solution cleverly revealed one at a time. You can work each step of the problem then click the "View Solution"...

A tutorial that illustrates how to graph polynomials.

This algebra lesson shows how to graph polynomials with real zeros.

This algebra lesson shows how to graph polynomials with complex zeros.

Here's a very detailed, step-by-step activity for students to do to learn about the relationship between the factored form of a polynomial function and its graph. Calculator instructions for the TI-83 are given, right down to the screen...

This algebra lesson explains the basic shapes of the graphs of even degree polynomials and gives an introduction to zeros.

This algebra lesson explains the basic shapes of the graphs of odd degree polynomials and gives an introduction to zeros.

This algebra lesson explains the types of zeros that can occur in a polynomial.

Students can use the TI-84 Plus family to check the sum or difference of polynomial functions.

This algebra lesson explains some important rules about zeros (where graphs touch or cross the x-axis).

This algebra lesson explains how to find the absolute maximums and minimums (extrema) of a polynomial.

This algebra lesson explains how to find where a polynomial is increasing, decreasing or neither.

Find out how to find relative minimums and maximums of the typical polynomial.

Students investigate how to sketch and find solutions to higher degree polynomials. Topics explored are dividing polynomials, roots of polynomials, graphing polynomials, and finding zeroes of polynomials. Class notes, definitions, and...

This algebra lesson explains multiplicities and zeros.