Use the graph of the function to estimate the intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (Enter your answers using interval notation.)

Calculus: Early Transcendentals
8th Edition
ISBN:9781285741550
Author:James Stewart
Publisher:James Stewart
Chapter1: Functions And Models
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RCC: (a) What is a function? What are its domain and range? (b) What is the graph of a function? (c) How...
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Use the graph of the function to estimate the intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (Enter your answers using interval notation.)

**Graph of a Polynomial Function**

The image showcases the graph of a polynomial function plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system. The graph traverses through various key points and demonstrates notable features such as intercepts, maximum and minimum points.

Key Features:

1. **X-Axis (Horizontal Axis) and Y-Axis (Vertical Axis):**
   The horizontal axis represents the x-values, while the vertical axis represents the y-values.

2. **Intercepts:**
   - **X-Intercepts:** The graph crosses the x-axis at approximately \( x = -5.5, x = -2, \) and \( x = 1.5 \). These are the points where the function's value is zero.
   - **Y-Intercept:** The graph crosses the y-axis at approximately \((0, 4)\). This is the point where the x-value is zero.

3. **Turning Points:**
   - **Local Minimum:** Around \( x = -4 \) with a y-value of approximately \(-2\).
   - **Local Maximum:** Around \( x = -1 \) with a y-value of approximately \( 5 \).

4. **End Behavior:**
   - As \( x \) approaches negative infinity, the graph descends steeply.
   - As \( x \) approaches positive infinity, the graph descends after passing through the local maximum.

5. **Shape and Symmetry:**
   The polynomial curve appears to be a third-degree (cubic) polynomial due to its general shape and the number of turning points.

Understanding the graph of polynomial functions is essential in the study of calculus and algebra as it helps in analyzing function behavior, solving equations, and understanding the properties of different types of polynomial equations.
Transcribed Image Text:**Graph of a Polynomial Function** The image showcases the graph of a polynomial function plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system. The graph traverses through various key points and demonstrates notable features such as intercepts, maximum and minimum points. Key Features: 1. **X-Axis (Horizontal Axis) and Y-Axis (Vertical Axis):** The horizontal axis represents the x-values, while the vertical axis represents the y-values. 2. **Intercepts:** - **X-Intercepts:** The graph crosses the x-axis at approximately \( x = -5.5, x = -2, \) and \( x = 1.5 \). These are the points where the function's value is zero. - **Y-Intercept:** The graph crosses the y-axis at approximately \((0, 4)\). This is the point where the x-value is zero. 3. **Turning Points:** - **Local Minimum:** Around \( x = -4 \) with a y-value of approximately \(-2\). - **Local Maximum:** Around \( x = -1 \) with a y-value of approximately \( 5 \). 4. **End Behavior:** - As \( x \) approaches negative infinity, the graph descends steeply. - As \( x \) approaches positive infinity, the graph descends after passing through the local maximum. 5. **Shape and Symmetry:** The polynomial curve appears to be a third-degree (cubic) polynomial due to its general shape and the number of turning points. Understanding the graph of polynomial functions is essential in the study of calculus and algebra as it helps in analyzing function behavior, solving equations, and understanding the properties of different types of polynomial equations.
**Understanding Polynomial Functions through Graphs**

The image above is a graph illustrating a polynomial function plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system. The graph provides a visual representation of how the function behaves as `x` values change. 

### Key Features of the Graph:

- **Axes and Scale:**
  - The horizontal axis represents the `x`-values, ranging approximately from -8 to 8.
  - The vertical axis represents the `y`-values, ranging approximately from -250 to 200.
  - The axes are marked at regular intervals with small ticks, both positive and negative, providing a grid that aids in identifying exact points on the graph.

- **Polynomial Curve:**
  - The curve is smooth and continuous, characteristic of polynomial functions.
  - The graph starts in the bottom-left quadrant, dips, and then rises again, crossing multiple quadrants.
  - Two distinct points are emphasized on the graph:
    - One point in the third quadrant near (-6, -200).
    - The second point in the first quadrant around (7, 150).
  
- **Behavior and Intercepts:**
  - The curve crosses the x-axis in two locations, indicating the roots/zeros of the polynomial — the precise `x` values at which `y` equals zero.
  - It appears to have a local maximum in the second quadrant and a local minimum slightly to the right of the y-axis in the fourth quadrant. 

- **Zeroes and Turning Points:**
  - The exact turning points and zero-crossings can be analyzed more deeply using calculus concepts such as finding the derivative to locate critical points.

### Educational Purpose:

Graphs of polynomial functions are fundamental in mathematics as they offer insights into the function's behavior, such as growth or decline rates, turning points, and intersections with the axes. The shape and nature of the curve can vary greatly depending on the degree and coefficients of the polynomial, showcasing their diverse applications in modeling real-world phenomena. 

In studies, this graph helps:
- Illustrate concepts of continuity and differentiation.
- Demonstrate how the polynomial equation's degree influences the number of turning points and x-intercepts.
- Offer a practical example for exercises in mathematical analysis and algebra.

By closely examining and interpreting these graphs, students can better understand the underlying principles governing polynomial functions.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Polynomial Functions through Graphs** The image above is a graph illustrating a polynomial function plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system. The graph provides a visual representation of how the function behaves as `x` values change. ### Key Features of the Graph: - **Axes and Scale:** - The horizontal axis represents the `x`-values, ranging approximately from -8 to 8. - The vertical axis represents the `y`-values, ranging approximately from -250 to 200. - The axes are marked at regular intervals with small ticks, both positive and negative, providing a grid that aids in identifying exact points on the graph. - **Polynomial Curve:** - The curve is smooth and continuous, characteristic of polynomial functions. - The graph starts in the bottom-left quadrant, dips, and then rises again, crossing multiple quadrants. - Two distinct points are emphasized on the graph: - One point in the third quadrant near (-6, -200). - The second point in the first quadrant around (7, 150). - **Behavior and Intercepts:** - The curve crosses the x-axis in two locations, indicating the roots/zeros of the polynomial — the precise `x` values at which `y` equals zero. - It appears to have a local maximum in the second quadrant and a local minimum slightly to the right of the y-axis in the fourth quadrant. - **Zeroes and Turning Points:** - The exact turning points and zero-crossings can be analyzed more deeply using calculus concepts such as finding the derivative to locate critical points. ### Educational Purpose: Graphs of polynomial functions are fundamental in mathematics as they offer insights into the function's behavior, such as growth or decline rates, turning points, and intersections with the axes. The shape and nature of the curve can vary greatly depending on the degree and coefficients of the polynomial, showcasing their diverse applications in modeling real-world phenomena. In studies, this graph helps: - Illustrate concepts of continuity and differentiation. - Demonstrate how the polynomial equation's degree influences the number of turning points and x-intercepts. - Offer a practical example for exercises in mathematical analysis and algebra. By closely examining and interpreting these graphs, students can better understand the underlying principles governing polynomial functions.
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