CONDENSED LESSON Polynomial Degree and 7.1 Finite Differences
In this lesson you will ● learn the terminology associated with polynomials ● use the finite differences method to determine the degree of a polynomial ● find a polynomial function that models a set of data A polynomial in one variable is any expression that can be written in the form
n n 1 1 an x an 1x · · · a 1x a 0 where x is a variable, the exponents are nonnegative integers, the coefficients are n n 1 real numbers, and an 0. A function in the form f (x) anx an 1x · · · 1 a 1 x a 0 is a polynomial function. The degree of a polynomial or polynomial function is the power of the term with the greatest exponent. If the degrees of the terms of a polynomial decrease from left to right, the polynomial is in general form. The polynomials below are in general form. 1st degree 2nd degree 3rd degree 4th degree 3x 7 x 2 2x 1.8 9x 3 4x 2 x 11 5x 4 A polynomial with one term, such as 5x 4, is called a monomial. A polynomial with two terms, such as 3x 7, is called a binomial. A polynomial with three terms, such as x 2 2x 1.8, is called a trinomial. Polynomials with more than three terms, such as 9x 3 4x 2 x 11, are usually just called polynomials. For linear functions, when the x-values are evenly spaced, the differences in the corresponding y-values are constant. This is not true for polynomial functions of higher degree. However, for 2nd-degree polynomials, the differences of the
differences, called the second differences and abbreviated D2, are constant. For 3rd-degree polynomials, the differences of the second differences, called the third
differences and abbreviated D3, are constant. This is illustrated in the tables on page 379 of your book. If you have a set of data with equally spaced x-values, you can find the lowest possible degree of a polynomial function that fits the data (if there is a polynomial function that fits the data) by analyzing the differences in y-values. This technique, called the finite differences method, is illustrated in the example in your book. Read that example carefully. Notice that the finite differences method determines only the degree of the polynomial. To find the exact equation for the polynomial function, you need to find the coefficients by solving a system of equations or using some other method.
In the example, the D2 values are equal. When you use experimental data, you may have to settle for differences that are nearly equal.
Investigation: Free Fall If you have a motion sensor, collect the (time, height) data as described in Step 1 in your book. If not, use these sample data. (The values in the last two columns are calculated in Step 2.) (continued)
Discovering Advanced Algebra Condensed Lessons CHAPTER 7 93 ©2010 Key Curriculum Press
DDAA2CL_010_07.inddAA2CL_010_07.indd 9393 11/13/09/13/09 2:42:552:42:55 PPMM Lesson 7.1 • Polynomial Degree and Finite Differences (continued)
Complete Steps 2–6 in your book. The results Time (s) Height (m) given are based on the sample data. x y D1 D2
Step 2 The first and second differences, D1 and 0.00 2.000 D , are shown in the table at right. 0.012 2 0.05 1.988 0.025 For these data, we can stop with the second 0.037 0.10 1.951 0.024 differences because they are nearly constant. 0.061 0.15 1.890 0.025 0.086 0.20 1.804 0.024 0.110 0.25 1.694 0.025 0.135 0.30 1.559 0.024 0.159 0.35 1.400 0.025 0.184 0.40 1.216 0.024 0.208 0.45 1.008 Step 3 The three plots are shown below. (time, height ) (time 2, d 1) (time 3, d 2 )
Step 4 The graph of (time, height ) appears parabolic, suggesting that the correct model may be a 2nd-degree polynomial function. The graph of (time 2, d 1 ) shows that the first differences are not constant because they decrease in a linear fashion. The graph of (time 3, d 2 ) shows that the second differences are nearly constant, so the correct model should be a 2nd-degree polynomial function. Step 5 A 2nd-degree polynomial in the form y ax 2 bx c fits the data. Step 6 To write the system, choose three data points. For each point, write an equation by substituting the time and height values for x and y in the equation y ax 2 bx c. The following system is based on the values (0, 2), (0.2, 1.804), and (0.4, 1.216). c 2.000