The document discusses key aspects of polynomials including degree, end behavior, and graph shapes. The degree of a polynomial determines the general shape of its graph and the maximum number of x-intercepts. The end behavior describes what the polynomial function does as it approaches positive and negative infinity, which depends on the sign of the leading term. Polynomials with an even degree and positive leading term have graphs that start and end at positive infinity, while those with an even degree and negative leading term have graphs that start at positive infinity and end at negative infinity.