The Width of the Graph of a Polynomial Function

As with quadratic functions, the absolute value of $a\:$in $f\left(x\right)=ax^n\:$determines the width of the graph.

• When $\mid a\mid>1,\:$the graph is stretched vertically, making it narrower
• When $0<\mid a\mid<1,\:$the graph is shrunk or compressed vertically, making it wider.