Explain what makes a function a polynomial. Give an example of a function that is a polynomial and a function that is not a polynomial.

Given the polynomial f(x) = 2x3 + 5x2 - x - 5, answer the following questions:

Graph the polynomial. What is the degree of the polynomial?

Explain the constant in the polynomial and how it relates to the graph.

Define the x-intercepts of the polynomial.

Explain the relative maximum and relative minimum of the polynomial in the interval [-3,2]. Is there a different between the relative maximum and minimum and the absolute maximum and minimum?

Part II:

What is a rational function? Give an example. For your example, answer or perform the following:

Graph the rational function.

Give the domain and range of the rational function.

Find the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the rational function.