Complex Analysis/Elementary Functions/Polynomial Functions

Polynomial Function

A function containing a polynomial rule is known as a polynomial function. A polynomial function with only one variable looks like this: f(t) = t³ - 2t² + 3t.

Graphing Polynomial Functions

Graphing such functions can be challenging if you don't know what you are doing. A graphing calculator is very helpful in this process if one is available. To graph polynomial functions on a graphing calculator, follow these steps: 1. turn on the calculator, 2. press the y= button, 3. in the area \Y₁, enter in the equation (for example, using the equation above, you would press "x", then the karat button, then 3, then -2, then the "x²" button, then +3x), 4. press the graph button. If no graph appears, then the information entered is incorrect, or you need to widen the window, in which case you would press the "zoom" button and then "zoom out".