What polynomial function has a graph that passes through the three points (−1, −4), (0, −5), and (1, −2)?

Question

A. y = 2x2 + x − 5

B. y = −5x2 + x + 2

C.y = 2x2 − x − 5

D.y = −5x2 − x + 2

Answer 1

First, the constant term in a polynomial is the y-intercept. So the y-intercept for A and C is (0,-5) and for B and D it's (0,2). Since (0,-5) is one of the points given in the problem, we can eliminate choices B and D. To choose between A and C, just plug in the x-values from the other two points and see which one (A or C) gives you the correct y-values.