Polynomials are algebraic expressions that contain more than two terms. AN example would be: f(x) = x^3 + x^2 + x +1. This equation contains three terms, with the 3rd degree as its highest term. It also means that the graph passed three x-intercepts. This depends in the highest degree. So, the first thing you do is plot the intercepts because for sure, the graph will pass there.
