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Precalculus Exam Study Guide: Functions, Equations, and Graphs

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Algebraic Equations and Factoring

Quadratic Equations

Quadratic equations are polynomial equations of degree two, typically written in the form . Solutions can be found using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.

  • Quadratic Formula:

  • Factoring: Express the quadratic as a product of two binomials and set each factor to zero.

  • Example: Solve using the quadratic formula.

Polynomial Factoring

Factoring polynomials involves expressing them as products of lower-degree polynomials. Techniques include grouping, using special products, and long division.

  • Grouping: Rearranging terms to factor by grouping common factors.

  • Long Division: Used for dividing polynomials and finding factors.

  • Example: Factor by long division.

Functions and Their Properties

Function Notation and Evaluation

A function assigns each input to a unique output. Evaluating a function means substituting a value for .

  • Example: Evaluate and for a given piecewise function.

Domain and Range

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values, while the range is the set of all possible output values.

  • Example: Find the domain of .

Piecewise Functions

Piecewise functions are defined by different expressions over different intervals of the domain.

  • Example:

Graphing and Parent Functions

Graphing Functions

Graphing involves plotting points and analyzing features such as intercepts, asymptotes, and transformations.

  • Parent Functions: Basic functions such as , , , .

  • Transformations: Shifts, stretches, and reflections applied to parent functions.

  • Example: Identify the parent function from a given graph.

Amplitude and Period of Trigonometric Functions

For functions like , the amplitude is and the period is .

  • Example: Find amplitude and period for .

Trigonometric Functions and Identities

Evaluating Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric functions relate angles to ratios of sides in right triangles. Common functions include sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent.

  • Example: Evaluate .

Trigonometric Table

Values of trigonometric functions for specific angles are often summarized in tables.

Angle

0

0

0

1

1

Undefined

1

Undefined

0

Undefined

0

0

0

-1

-1

Undefined

-1

Undefined

0

Undefined

0

0

0

1

1

Undefined

Additional info: Table entries inferred for standard angles.

Linear Equations and Systems

Equations of Lines

The equation of a line can be written in slope-intercept form or point-slope form . Lines perpendicular to a given line have slopes that are negative reciprocals.

  • Example: Find the equation of a line passing through and perpendicular to .

Solving Systems of Equations

Systems of equations can be solved by substitution, elimination, or graphing. The solution is the point(s) where the equations intersect.

  • Example: Solve and .

Function Transformations and Operations

Function Operations

Functions can be added, subtracted, multiplied, divided, and composed. The difference quotient is a key concept for understanding rates of change.

  • Difference Quotient: For , simplifies to .

Set Notation and Intervals

Interval Notation

Intervals describe subsets of the real numbers. Use parentheses for open intervals and brackets for closed intervals.

  • Example:

Exponent Rules and Simplification

Exponent Properties

Exponent rules are used to simplify expressions involving powers.

  • Product Rule:

  • Quotient Rule:

  • Power Rule:

  • Example: Simplify and .

Factoring and Simplification of Expressions

Factoring by Grouping

Factoring by grouping is a method used when a polynomial has four or more terms. Group terms to factor common elements.

  • Example: Factor by grouping.

Function Identification from Graphs

Piecewise and Absolute Value Functions

Some graphs represent piecewise or absolute value functions. Recognizing these from their shape is important for function identification.

  • Example: Identify from a graph.

Summary Table: Parent Functions

Function

Equation

Graph Shape

Quadratic

Parabola

Absolute Value

V-shape

Square Root

Half-parabola (right)

Logarithmic

Increasing, vertical asymptote at

Tangent

Repeating vertical asymptotes

Additional info: Table entries inferred for standard parent functions.

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