Unit 4: Polynomials
Writing Assignment.
1) Regarding properties of exponents describe in words how you know whether to add exponents
or multiply exponents. Only after you have described it in words, show examples to illustrate
what you mean.
2) Describe in words the meaning of a negative exponent. Only after you have described it in
words, show examples to illustrate what you mean.
3) Describe in words how you multiply two polynomials together. Only after you have described it
in words, show examples to illustrate what you mean.
4) What are the special factoring formulas you have learned. Describe in words how you know
which formula to use, and how you identify what “a” and “b” are.
5) Describe which you prefer and why: Long division or Synthetic Division. Then describe a time
when you may be forced to use the one you prefer less.
6)
Describe in words what the rational zero theorem does for us, and what we typically do after
we utilize it.
7) Describe in words how synthetic division can help us factor.
8) When a mathematician discusses end-behavior, in words give a visual interpretation of what
they are trying to describe. (YES, it is possible to use words to describe something visual).
9)
In words, describe how you know the general shape of the graph of a polynomial?
10) Time to show everything you know:
Demonstrate as many skills and as much knowledge as you can for the following situation.
A medical company must test its equipment to ensure it can withstand intense cold and intense
heat during the shipping process without permanently altering the performance of the
equipment. Because of this engineers put samples of their equipment in an environmental
chamber that changes temperature rapidly. A device is put through a cold weather
temperature cycle for 12 hours. The temperature (T measured in Fahrenheit) is a function of
time (t measured in hours).
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