Analytic Geometry and Calculus

📐Analytic Geometry and Calculus Unit 1 – Precalculus Review: Functions and Graphs

Functions are the building blocks of calculus, mapping inputs to outputs and describing relationships between variables. This review covers various function types, their properties, and graphing techniques, laying the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts. Mastering function transformations, composition, and inverse functions is crucial for understanding how equations relate to their graphs. Real-world applications demonstrate the practical importance of functions in modeling diverse phenomena, from population growth to sound waves.

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Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Functions map input values from the domain to output values in the range
  • Function notation f(x)f(x) represents the output value of the function ff for a given input value xx
  • One-to-one functions have a unique output value for each input value
  • Even functions are symmetric about the y-axis, satisfying f(x)=f(x)f(-x) = f(x)
  • Odd functions are symmetric about the origin, satisfying f(x)=f(x)f(-x) = -f(x)
  • Piecewise functions are defined by different equations over different intervals of the domain
  • Continuous functions have no breaks or gaps in their graphs
    • Discontinuities can be classified as removable, jump, or infinite

Types of Functions

  • Linear functions have the form f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + b, where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept
  • Quadratic functions have the form f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where aa, bb, and cc are constants and a0a \neq 0
    • The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola
  • Polynomial functions are the sum of terms with non-negative integer exponents (linear, quadratic, cubic, etc.)
  • Rational functions are the quotient of two polynomial functions, f(x)=P(x)Q(x)f(x) = \frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}, where Q(x)0Q(x) \neq 0
  • Exponential functions have the form f(x)=abxf(x) = a \cdot b^x, where aa and bb are constants, a0a \neq 0, and b>0b > 0
  • Logarithmic functions have the form f(x)=logb(x)f(x) = \log_b(x), where bb is the base and x>0x > 0
  • Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent) relate angles to the sides of a right triangle

Graphing Techniques

  • Plotting points (x,y)(x, y) on the Cartesian coordinate system
  • Identifying x and y intercepts by setting y=0y = 0 and x=0x = 0, respectively
  • Finding the domain and range of a function from its graph
  • Determining the intervals where a function is increasing, decreasing, or constant
  • Locating local maxima and minima (turning points) on the graph
  • Identifying asymptotes (vertical, horizontal, or oblique) of a function
  • Sketching the graph of a function using transformations of parent functions
    • Translations, reflections, stretches, and compressions

Domain and Range

  • The domain is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for a function
  • The range is the set of all possible output values (y-values) for a function
  • Determine the domain by considering the function's equation and any restrictions on the input values
    • Avoid division by zero and negative values under even roots
  • Determine the range by considering the function's graph or by solving for y in terms of x
  • Express the domain and range using interval notation or set-builder notation
  • Functions with restricted domains (e.g., square root, logarithm) require special attention

Function Transformations

  • Translations shift the graph horizontally or vertically
    • f(x)+kf(x) + k shifts the graph vertically by kk units
    • f(xh)f(x - h) shifts the graph horizontally by hh units
  • Reflections flip the graph across the x-axis or y-axis
    • f(x)-f(x) reflects the graph across the x-axis
    • f(x)f(-x) reflects the graph across the y-axis
  • Stretches and compressions change the graph's scale
    • af(x)af(x) stretches (if a>1|a| > 1) or compresses (if 0<a<10 < |a| < 1) the graph vertically by a factor of a|a|
    • f(bx)f(bx) compresses (if b>1|b| > 1) or stretches (if 0<b<10 < |b| < 1) the graph horizontally by a factor of 1b\frac{1}{|b|}

Composition and Inverse Functions

  • Function composition combines two functions, (fg)(x)=f(g(x))(f \circ g)(x) = f(g(x))
    • Evaluate the inner function first, then use the result as the input for the outer function
  • The inverse function f1(x)f^{-1}(x) "undoes" the original function f(x)f(x)
    • If f(a)=bf(a) = b, then f1(b)=af^{-1}(b) = a
  • To find the inverse function, swap xx and yy, then solve for yy
  • A function must be one-to-one to have an inverse function
  • The graphs of a function and its inverse are symmetric about the line y=xy = x

Real-World Applications

  • Linear functions model constant growth or decay (population growth, depreciation)
  • Quadratic functions model projectile motion and optimization problems
  • Exponential functions model compound interest and exponential growth or decay (bacterial growth, radioactive decay)
  • Logarithmic functions model sound intensity (decibels) and earthquake magnitude (Richter scale)
  • Trigonometric functions model periodic phenomena (sound waves, tides, seasons)
  • Rational functions model inverse proportionality (work rate problems, concentration of solutions)

Common Pitfalls and Tips

  • Pay attention to the function's domain and any restrictions on the input values
  • Remember the order of operations when evaluating functions (PEMDAS)
  • Be careful with negative signs when applying function transformations
  • When finding the inverse of a function, check that the original function is one-to-one
  • Sketch graphs using key features (intercepts, asymptotes, turning points) before plotting points
  • Practice identifying functions from their equations and graphs
  • Use technology (graphing calculators, online tools) to verify your work and explore more complex functions


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.