Calculating Zeros of Polynomial Functions
A Polynomial Function is a function of the form
Bold text indicates a selection that can be made on the screen of the calculator.
Pink text indicates a button that must be depressed on the keypad.
| Keys |
Description & Comments |
|
| Y= | Enter the equation of the polynomial. | |
| GRAPH | This will graph the equation. | |
| 2nd TRACE (CALC) | ||
| zero | The graph should reappear and the cursor will be blinking on the function somewhere. | |
| Position the cursor for the lower bound. | Use the arrows to move the cursor along the graph of the function until it is positioned just below the place the graph crosses the x-axis. | |
| ENTER | ||
| Position the cursor for the upper bound. | Use the arrows to move the cursor along the graph of the function until it is positioned just above the place the graph crosses the x-axis. | |
| ENTER | ||
| ENTER | The x value is the zero of the function. | |
| Repeat the process for each place the graph crosses the x-axis. |