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How to Graph a Polynomial Function With an Odd Exponent

Algebra is a subset of mathematics and involves the use of letters and symbols to solve problems. A function is an algebraic machine which takes a number of inputs, manipulates them and generates an output. An example of a simple function is a polynomial and these are defined as having more than one mathematical term. Polynomials can have constant terms, linear terms and terms with powers in. The graph of a polynomial with an odd exponent can be generated by following a simple set of instructions.

Things You'll Need

Graph paper

Instructions

- 1
  Write down the polynomial. The general form of a polynomial is:
  
  y=ax^n+bx^(n-1)+cx+d
  
  For this example the following polynomial will be used:
  
  y=x^3+2x^2+x+7
- 2
  Draw a table for the values of x and y over a range of x values. Following the example:
  
  x y=x^3+2x^2+x+7
  
  x=0 y=7
  
  x=1 y=11
  
  x=2 y=25
- 3
  Draw the axes of the graph. Label the x-axis "x" and the y-axis "y=x^3+2x^2+x+7". Find the first x value from the table on the x-axis. Find the corresponding y value on the y-axis and mark a cross where the x and y values intersect. Plot the rest of the values from the table. The graph of the polynomial is now complete.

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