upgrade
upgrade
📈AP Pre-Calculus
Key Terms

101 essential vocabulary terms and definitions to know for your AP Pre-Calculus exam

Study AP Pre-Calculus
Practice Vocabulary
📈AP Pre-Calculus
Key Terms by Unit

🍍Unit 1 – Polynomial and Rational Functions

1.10 Rational Functions and Holes

TermDefinition
denominatorThe polynomial expression in the bottom part of a rational function.
holesPoints where a rational function is undefined due to common factors in the numerator and denominator that cancel out, creating a gap in the graph.
limitThe value that a function approaches as the input approaches a specific value.
multiplicityThe number of times a linear factor appears in the complete factorization of a polynomial; determines how the graph behaves at that zero.
numeratorThe polynomial expression in the top part of a rational function.
rational functionA function expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, where the denominator is not equal to zero.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.

1.1 Change in Tandem

TermDefinition
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
decreasing functionA function over an interval where output values always decrease as input values increase.
dependent variableThe variable representing output values in a function.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
functionA mathematical relation that maps each input value to exactly one output value.
function ruleThe mathematical relationship that determines how input values map to output values, which can be expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, or verbally.
increasing functionA function over an interval where output values always increase as input values increase.
independent variableThe variable representing input values in a function.
inputThe independent variable or value that is entered into a function.
input valueThe x-values or independent variable values used as inputs to a function.
outputThe dependent variable or value that results from applying a function to an input.
output valueThe y-values or results produced by a function for given input values.
rangeThe set of all possible output values that a function can produce.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
x-axisThe horizontal axis on a coordinate plane representing input values.
zeroA value of the input for which a polynomial function equals zero; also called a root of the equation p(x)=0.

1.11 Equivalent Representations of Polynomial and Rational Expressions

TermDefinition
analytic representationsDifferent mathematical forms or expressions used to represent the same function, such as factored form or standard form.
asymptoteLines that a graph approaches but never reaches, indicating behavior at infinity or at points of discontinuity.
binomialA polynomial expression consisting of exactly two terms, such as (a + b).
binomial coefficientsThe numerical coefficients that appear in the expansion of (a + b)^n, found in the rows of Pascal's Triangle.
binomial theoremA mathematical theorem that provides a formula for expanding expressions of the form (a + b)^n using binomial coefficients.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
end behaviorThe behavior of a function as the input values approach positive or negative infinity.
equivalent formsDifferent ways of writing the same mathematical expression that have equal values for all valid inputs.
factored formA representation of a polynomial or rational expression written as a product of its factors, which reveals the real zeros and x-intercepts.
holesPoints where a rational function is undefined due to common factors in the numerator and denominator that cancel out, creating a gap in the graph.
Pascal's TriangleA triangular array of numbers where each row contains the binomial coefficients used in the binomial expansion of (a + b)^n.
polynomial expressionsMathematical expressions consisting of variables and coefficients combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication, where variables have non-negative integer exponents.
polynomial long divisionAn algebraic process similar to numerical long division used to divide one polynomial by another, producing a quotient and remainder.
quotientThe result obtained when one polynomial is divided by another polynomial in polynomial long division.
rangeThe set of all possible output values that a function can produce.
rational expressionsMathematical expressions that represent the ratio of two polynomials, written as a fraction with a polynomial numerator and polynomial denominator.
rational functionA function expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, where the denominator is not equal to zero.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.
remainderThe polynomial left over after polynomial long division, which has a degree less than the divisor polynomial.
slant asymptoteA linear asymptote that occurs when the numerator polynomial of a rational function has a degree one greater than the denominator polynomial.
standard formA representation of a polynomial or rational expression in expanded form, which reveals information about end behavior.
x-interceptThe point where a graph crosses or touches the x-axis, occurring at (a, 0) when a is a real zero of the function.

1.12 Transformations of Functions

TermDefinition
additive transformationA transformation of a function involving addition or subtraction, resulting in vertical and horizontal translations.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
horizontal dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function horizontally by multiplying the input by a constant factor b, written as g(x) = f(bx).
horizontal translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function left or right by adding a constant to the input, written as g(x) = f(x + h).
multiplicative transformationA transformation of a function involving multiplication, resulting in vertical and horizontal dilations.
parent functionThe simplest form of a family of functions, used as a base for creating transformed functions.
rangeThe set of all possible output values that a function can produce.
reflection over the x-axisA transformation that flips the graph of a function across the x-axis, occurring when the multiplicative factor is negative in a vertical dilation.
reflection over the y-axisA transformation that flips the graph of a function across the y-axis, occurring when the multiplicative factor is negative in a horizontal dilation.
vertical dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function vertically by multiplying the function by a constant factor a, written as g(x) = af(x).
vertical translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function up or down by adding a constant k to the function, written as g(x) = f(x) + k.

1.13 Function Model Selection and Assumption Articulation

TermDefinition
assumptionsUnderlying conditions or beliefs about what remains consistent or how quantities behave in a function model.
cubic functionA polynomial function of degree 3 with the form f(x) = ax³ + bx² + cx + d.
degreeThe highest power of the variable in a polynomial function, which determines the number of differences needed to reach a constant value.
domain restrictionsLimitations on the input values of a function based on mathematical validity, contextual meaning, or extreme values in the data set.
function modelA mathematical function used to represent and analyze relationships in a data set or real-world scenario.
linear functionA polynomial function of degree 1 with the form f(x) = mx + b, representing a constant rate of change.
maximumThe highest points or local maximum values on a function's graph.
minimumThe lowest points or local minimum values on a function's graph.
nth differencesThe differences calculated by repeatedly subtracting consecutive terms in a sequence, used to identify polynomial degree.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.
quadratic functionA polynomial function of degree 2 with the form f(x) = ax² + bx + c, creating a parabolic graph.
range restrictionsLimitations on the output values of a function, such as rounding values, based on mathematical validity, contextual meaning, or extreme values in the data set.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.
restrictionsLimitations placed on the domain or range of a function model based on mathematical, contextual, or data-based considerations.

1.14 Function Model Construction and Application

TermDefinition
average rate of changeThe change in the output of a function divided by the change in the input over a specified interval, calculated as (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a) for the interval [a, b].
changing rates of changeThe variation in how quickly a quantity changes over different intervals, indicating acceleration or deceleration in the rate of change.
contextual scenarioA real-world situation or problem context in which a mathematical model is applied.
cubic functionA polynomial function of degree 3 with the form f(x) = ax³ + bx² + cx + d.
cubic regressionA regression technique that fits a cubic function to a data set.
electromagnetic forceThe force between charged objects or magnetic poles, which is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
function modelA mathematical function used to represent and analyze relationships in a data set or real-world scenario.
gravitational forceThe attractive force between two objects due to their masses, which is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
inversely proportionalA relationship between two quantities where one quantity increases as the other decreases by a constant factor, typically expressed as y = k/x.
linear functionA polynomial function of degree 1 with the form f(x) = mx + b, representing a constant rate of change.
linear regressionA regression technique that fits a linear function to a data set.
parent functionThe simplest form of a family of functions, used as a base for creating transformed functions.
piecewise-defined functionA function defined by different expressions over different intervals of its domain.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.
quadratic functionA polynomial function of degree 2 with the form f(x) = ax² + bx + c, creating a parabolic graph.
quadratic regressionA regression technique that fits a quadratic function to a data set.
quartic functionA polynomial function of degree 4 with the form f(x) = ax⁴ + bx³ + cx² + dx + e.
quartic regressionA regression technique that fits a quartic (fourth-degree polynomial) function to a data set.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
rational functionA function expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, where the denominator is not equal to zero.
regressionA statistical method for fitting a function to a data set to model the relationship between variables.
regression analysisA statistical method used to fit a function to a set of data points to model the relationship between variables.
restrictionsLimitations placed on the domain or range of a function model based on mathematical, contextual, or data-based considerations.
transformationChanges applied to a parent function such as translations, reflections, stretches, or compressions.

1.2 Rates of Change

TermDefinition
average rate of changeThe change in the output of a function divided by the change in the input over a specified interval, calculated as (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a) for the interval [a, b].
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
input valueThe x-values or independent variable values used as inputs to a function.
intervalA connected subset of the domain over which a function's behavior is analyzed.
negative rate of changeA rate of change where one quantity increases while the other decreases, or vice versa.
output valueThe y-values or results produced by a function for given input values.
positive rate of changeA rate of change where both quantities increase together or both decrease together.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
rate of change at a pointThe instantaneous rate at which output values change with respect to input values at a specific point on a function.

1.3 Rates of Change in Linear and Quadratic Functions

TermDefinition
average rate of changeThe change in the output of a function divided by the change in the input over a specified interval, calculated as (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a) for the interval [a, b].
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
constant rateA rate of change that remains the same across all intervals; for quadratic functions, the rate at which average rates of change are changing.
equal-length input-value intervalsConsecutive intervals along the input axis that have the same width, used to compare average rates of change.
linear functionA polynomial function of degree 1 with the form f(x) = mx + b, representing a constant rate of change.
quadratic functionA polynomial function of degree 2 with the form f(x) = ax² + bx + c, creating a parabolic graph.
secant lineA line that intersects a curve at two points, used to represent the average rate of change between those points.
sequenceA function from the whole numbers to the real numbers, producing a list of ordered values.
slopeThe rate of change of a line, representing how much the output changes for each unit change in the input.

1.4 Polynomial Functions and Rates of Change

TermDefinition
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
decreasingA characteristic of a function where output values fall as input values increase over an interval.
degreeThe highest power of the variable in a polynomial function, which determines the number of differences needed to reach a constant value.
even degreeA polynomial function where the highest power of the variable is an even number.
global maximumThe greatest of all local maximum values of a polynomial function.
global minimumThe least of all local minimum values of a polynomial function.
increasingA characteristic of a function where output values rise as input values increase over an interval.
leading coefficientThe coefficient a_n of the leading term in a polynomial function.
leading termThe term in a polynomial with the highest degree, which dominates the function's behavior as input values increase or decrease without bound.
local maximumA point where a polynomial function switches from increasing to decreasing, producing a relative highest output value in that region.
local minimumA point where a polynomial function switches from decreasing to increasing, producing a relative lowest output value in that region.
point of inflectionA point on the graph of a polynomial where the concavity changes from concave up to concave down or vice versa, occurring where the rate of change changes from increasing to decreasing or decreasing to increasing.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.

1.5 Polynomial Functions and Complex Zeros

TermDefinition
complex conjugateFor a non-real complex number a+bi, its conjugate is a-bi; non-real zeros of polynomials with real coefficients always occur in conjugate pairs.
complex zeroA zero of a polynomial function that is a complex number (including non-real complex numbers of the form a+bi).
even functionA function that is graphically symmetric over the line x = 0 and satisfies the property f(−x) = f(x).
even multiplicityWhen a zero of a polynomial has an even multiplicity, the graph is tangent to the x-axis at that point and does not cross it.
graphically symmetricA property of a function's graph where it mirrors itself across a line or point.
linear factorAn expression of the form (x-a) that divides evenly into a polynomial function, where a is a zero of the polynomial.
multiplicityThe number of times a linear factor appears in the complete factorization of a polynomial; determines how the graph behaves at that zero.
non-real zeroA zero of a polynomial function that is not a real number; a complex number with a non-zero imaginary part.
odd functionA function that is graphically symmetric about the point (0,0) and satisfies the property f(−x) = −f(x).
odd multiplicityWhen a zero of a polynomial has an odd multiplicity, the graph crosses the x-axis at that point.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.
polynomial inequalityAn inequality involving a polynomial function, where real zeros serve as endpoints for intervals that satisfy the inequality.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.
rootA solution to the equation p(x)=0; a value where the polynomial function equals zero.
x-interceptThe point where a graph crosses or touches the x-axis, occurring at (a, 0) when a is a real zero of the function.
zeroA value of the input for which a polynomial function equals zero; also called a root of the equation p(x)=0.

1.6 Polynomial Functions and End Behavior

TermDefinition
degreeThe highest power of the variable in a polynomial function, which determines the number of differences needed to reach a constant value.
end behaviorThe behavior of a function as the input values approach positive or negative infinity.
leading termThe term in a polynomial with the highest degree, which dominates the function's behavior as input values increase or decrease without bound.
nonconstant polynomial functionA polynomial function with degree greater than zero.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.

1.7 Rational Functions and End Behavior

TermDefinition
degreeThe highest power of the variable in a polynomial function, which determines the number of differences needed to reach a constant value.
end behaviorThe behavior of a function as the input values approach positive or negative infinity.
horizontal asymptoteA horizontal line that a rational function's graph approaches as input values increase or decrease without bound.
leading termThe term in a polynomial with the highest degree, which dominates the function's behavior as input values increase or decrease without bound.
limit notationMathematical notation using lim to describe the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a specific value or infinity.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.
rational functionA function expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, where the denominator is not equal to zero.
slant asymptoteA linear asymptote that occurs when the numerator polynomial of a rational function has a degree one greater than the denominator polynomial.

1.8 Rational Functions and Zeros

TermDefinition
asymptoteLines that a graph approaches but never reaches, indicating behavior at infinity or at points of discontinuity.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
numeratorThe polynomial expression in the top part of a rational function.
rational function inequalitiesInequalities of the form r(x) ≥ 0 or r(x) ≤ 0 where r is a rational function, used to determine intervals where the function is non-negative or non-positive.
zeros of rational functionsThe real values of x for which a rational function equals zero, which correspond to the real zeros of the numerator when those values are in the domain of the function.

1.9 Rational Functions and Vertical Asymptotes

TermDefinition
denominatorThe polynomial expression in the bottom part of a rational function.
multiplicityThe number of times a linear factor appears in the complete factorization of a polynomial; determines how the graph behaves at that zero.
numeratorThe polynomial expression in the top part of a rational function.
polynomial functionA function that can be expressed in the form p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0, where n is a positive integer and a_n is nonzero.
rational functionA function expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, where the denominator is not equal to zero.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.
vertical asymptoteA vertical line x = a where the graph of a rational function approaches infinity or negative infinity as the input approaches a.

🥭Unit 2 – Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

2.10 Inverses of Exponential Functions

TermDefinition
baseThe number b in exponential functions b^x or logarithmic functions log_b x, where b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
exponential growthA pattern of change where output values increase multiplicatively as input values increase additively.
identity functionThe function h(x) = x, which serves as the line of reflection between inverse exponential and logarithmic functions.
inverse functionA function that reverses the mapping of another function, such that if f(x) = y, then f⁻¹(y) = x.
inverse relationshipA relationship between two functions where the input and output values are reversed, such that one function undoes the other.
logarithmic functionA function of the form f(x) = a log_b x where b > 0, b ≠ 1, and a ≠ 0, characterized by output values changing additively as input values change multiplicatively.
logarithmic growthA pattern of change where output values increase additively as input values increase multiplicatively.
ordered pairA pair of values (x, y) representing a point on a graph or a relationship between input and output values.
reflectionA transformation that flips a graph over a line, such as the line y = x.

2.1 Change in Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

TermDefinition
arithmetic sequenceA sequence where each term after the first is found by adding a fixed number called the common difference to the previous term.
common differenceThe constant difference between successive terms in an arithmetic sequence, denoted by d.
common ratioThe constant factor by which each term in a geometric sequence is multiplied to obtain the next term.
constant proportional changeA relationship where successive terms change by the same multiplicative factor, characteristic of geometric sequences.
constant rate of changeThe uniform change between successive terms in an arithmetic sequence.
general termA formula that represents any term in a sequence based on its position, such as g_n = g_0 r^n for geometric sequences.
geometric sequenceA sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number called the common ratio.
initial valueThe starting value of a function, represented by b in linear functions and a in exponential functions.
sequenceA function from the whole numbers to the real numbers, producing a list of ordered values.
whole numbersThe set of non-negative integers {0, 1, 2, 3, ...} used as the domain for a sequence function.

2.11 Logarithmic Functions

TermDefinition
additive transformationA transformation of a function involving addition or subtraction, resulting in vertical and horizontal translations.
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
decreasing functionA function over an interval where output values always decrease as input values increase.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
end behaviorThe behavior of a function as the input values approach positive or negative infinity.
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
extremumMaximum or minimum points on a function; logarithmic functions do not have extrema except on closed intervals.
increasing functionA function over an interval where output values always increase as input values increase.
inverse functionA function that reverses the mapping of another function, such that if f(x) = y, then f⁻¹(y) = x.
logarithmic functionA function of the form f(x) = a log_b x where b > 0, b ≠ 1, and a ≠ 0, characterized by output values changing additively as input values change multiplicatively.
point of inflectionA point on the graph of a polynomial where the concavity changes from concave up to concave down or vice versa, occurring where the rate of change changes from increasing to decreasing or decreasing to increasing.
rangeThe set of all possible output values that a function can produce.
vertical asymptoteA vertical line x = a where the graph of a rational function approaches infinity or negative infinity as the input approaches a.

2.12 Logarithmic Function Manipulation

TermDefinition
change of base propertyThe logarithmic property stating that log_b x = (log_a x)/(log_a b), which allows conversion between logarithms of different bases.
horizontal dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function horizontally by multiplying the input by a constant factor b, written as g(x) = f(bx).
logarithmic expressionsMathematical expressions involving logarithms that can be rewritten in different equivalent forms.
natural logarithmThe logarithmic function with base e, denoted ln(x), that is particularly useful for modeling real-world phenomena.
power property for logarithmsThe logarithmic property stating that log_b x^n = n log_b x, which allows exponents inside a logarithm to be written as coefficients.
product property for logarithmsThe logarithmic property stating that log_b(xy) = log_b x + log_b y, which allows products inside a logarithm to be written as sums.
vertical dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function vertically by multiplying the function by a constant factor a, written as g(x) = af(x).
vertical translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function up or down by adding a constant k to the function, written as g(x) = f(x) + k.

2.13 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

TermDefinition
additive transformationsShifts of a function's graph vertically or horizontally, represented by the parameters h and k in transformed function forms.
exponential equationsEquations in which the variable appears in the exponent, solved using properties of exponents and logarithms.
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
exponential inequalitiesInequalities in which the variable appears in the exponent, solved using properties of exponents and logarithms.
extraneous solutionsSolutions obtained through algebraic manipulation that do not satisfy the original equation or are excluded by mathematical or contextual limitations.
inverse functionA function that reverses the mapping of another function, such that if f(x) = y, then f⁻¹(y) = x.
inverse operationsOperations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction or exponentiation and logarithms, used to reverse a function's mapping.
inverse relationship between exponential and logarithmic functionsThe mathematical relationship where exponential and logarithmic functions undo each other, allowing conversion between exponential and logarithmic forms.
logarithmic equationsEquations involving logarithms, solved using properties of logarithms and the inverse relationship with exponential functions.
logarithmic functionA function of the form f(x) = a log_b x where b > 0, b ≠ 1, and a ≠ 0, characterized by output values changing additively as input values change multiplicatively.
logarithmic inequalitiesInequalities involving logarithms, solved using properties of logarithms and the inverse relationship with exponential functions.
properties of exponentsRules governing operations with exponential expressions, used to simplify and solve exponential equations.
properties of logarithmsRules governing operations with logarithmic expressions, including product, quotient, and power properties, used to solve logarithmic equations.

2.14 Logarithmic Function Context and Data Modeling

TermDefinition
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
logarithmic functionA function of the form f(x) = a log_b x where b > 0, b ≠ 1, and a ≠ 0, characterized by output values changing additively as input values change multiplicatively.
logarithmic regressionA statistical method using technology to construct a logarithmic function model that best fits a given data set.
natural logarithmThe logarithmic function with base e, denoted ln(x), that is particularly useful for modeling real-world phenomena.
proportional growthGrowth where input values change proportionally over equal-length output-value intervals, often modeled by logarithmic functions.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.
repeated multiplicationA process where an initial value is multiplied by the same proportion multiple times, which can be modeled using logarithmic functions.
transformationChanges applied to a parent function such as translations, reflections, stretches, or compressions.

2.15 Semi-log Plots

TermDefinition
dependent variableThe variable representing output values in a function.
exponential characteristicsProperties of data or functions that follow an exponential pattern, such as constant multiplicative rates of change.
exponential dataData that follows an exponential model of the form y = ab^x, where the rate of change increases or decreases exponentially.
exponential modelA mathematical model of the form y = ab^x that describes data or phenomena exhibiting exponential growth or decay.
initial linear valueThe y-intercept of a linear model on a semi-log plot, which equals log_n a for an exponential model y = ab^x.
linear modelA mathematical representation of a linear relationship, expressed in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
linear rate of changeThe slope of a linear model, representing the constant change in y for each unit change in x; in a semi-log plot of exponential data, this equals log_n b.
linearizationThe process of transforming exponential data into a linear form so that it can be modeled with a linear function.
logarithmically scaledAn axis on a graph where values are marked according to their logarithms, compressing large ranges of data and making exponential functions appear linear.
semi-log graphA graph with a logarithmic scale on one axis and a linear scale on the other axis, used to linearize exponential relationships.
semi-log plotA graph where one axis (typically the y-axis) uses a logarithmic scale while the other axis uses a linear scale, used to visualize exponential relationships.

2.2 Change in Linear and Exponential Functions

TermDefinition
arithmetic sequenceA sequence where each term after the first is found by adding a fixed number called the common difference to the previous term.
common differenceThe constant difference between successive terms in an arithmetic sequence, denoted by d.
common ratioThe constant factor by which each term in a geometric sequence is multiplied to obtain the next term.
constant rateA rate of change that remains the same across all intervals; for quadratic functions, the rate at which average rates of change are changing.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
geometric sequenceA sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number called the common ratio.
initial valueThe starting value of a function, represented by b in linear functions and a in exponential functions.
linear functionA polynomial function of degree 1 with the form f(x) = mx + b, representing a constant rate of change.
point-slope formA way of expressing linear functions as f(x) = y_i + m(x - x_i) based on a known slope and a point on the line.
proportional changeOutput values that change by a constant factor or ratio over equal-length input intervals, characteristic of exponential functions.
slopeThe rate of change of a line, representing how much the output changes for each unit change in the input.

2.3 Exponential Functions

TermDefinition
additive transformationA transformation of a function involving addition or subtraction, resulting in vertical and horizontal translations.
baseThe number b in exponential functions b^x or logarithmic functions log_b x, where b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
exponential decayAn exponential function where a > 0 and 0 < b < 1, resulting in output values that decrease as input values increase.
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
exponential growthA pattern of change where output values increase multiplicatively as input values increase additively.
extremumMaximum or minimum points on a function; logarithmic functions do not have extrema except on closed intervals.
initial valueThe starting value of a function, represented by b in linear functions and a in exponential functions.
point of inflectionA point on the graph of a polynomial where the concavity changes from concave up to concave down or vice versa, occurring where the rate of change changes from increasing to decreasing or decreasing to increasing.
proportional over equal-length input-value intervalsA characteristic where the ratio of output values remains constant for equal changes in input values, which identifies exponential functions.

2.4 Exponential Function Manipulation

TermDefinition
exponential expressionsMathematical expressions of the form b^x where b is a base and x is an exponent, which can be rewritten in multiple equivalent forms.
exponential unit fractionAn exponent in the form of a unit fraction 1/k where k is a natural number, representing a root of the base.
horizontal dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function horizontally by multiplying the input by a constant factor b, written as g(x) = f(bx).
horizontal translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function left or right by adding a constant to the input, written as g(x) = f(x + h).
kth rootThe value that, when raised to the power k, equals the base b, represented as b^(1/k).
negative exponent propertyThe rule stating that b^(-n) = 1/b^n, which expresses negative exponents as reciprocals.
power property for exponentsThe rule stating that (b^m)^n = b^(mn), allowing an exponential expression raised to a power to be simplified.
product property for exponentsThe rule stating that b^m · b^n = b^(m+n), allowing products of exponential expressions with the same base to be combined.
vertical dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function vertically by multiplying the function by a constant factor a, written as g(x) = af(x).

2.5 Exponential Function Context and Data Modeling

TermDefinition
baseThe number b in exponential functions b^x or logarithmic functions log_b x, where b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
base of the exponentThe value b in an exponential function f(x) = ab^x that determines the rate at which the function grows or decays.
dependent variableThe variable representing output values in a function.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
equivalent formsDifferent ways of writing the same mathematical expression that have equal values for all valid inputs.
exponential functionA function of the form f(x) = ab^x where a ≠ 0 is the initial value and b > 0, b ≠ 1 is the base.
exponential modelsMathematical functions of the form f(x) = ab^x used to represent situations where quantities grow or decay by a constant factor over equal intervals.
exponential regressionA statistical method using technology to fit an exponential function model to a data set by finding the best-fitting values for the parameters.
growth factorThe base b in an exponential function f(x) = ab^x, representing the multiplicative change in the output for each unit increase in the input.
initial valueThe starting value of a function, represented by b in linear functions and a in exponential functions.
inputThe independent variable or value that is entered into a function.
natural base eThe mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.718, commonly used as the base in exponential functions that model real-world scenarios.
percent changeThe relative change in a quantity expressed as a percentage, which is related to the growth factor in an exponential model.
proportional growthGrowth where input values change proportionally over equal-length output-value intervals, often modeled by logarithmic functions.
repeated multiplicationA process where an initial value is multiplied by the same proportion multiple times, which can be modeled using logarithmic functions.
transformationChanges applied to a parent function such as translations, reflections, stretches, or compressions.

2.6 Competing Function Model Validation

TermDefinition
data setA collection of numerical values or observations that represent measurements or information about variables.
errorThe difference between a model's predicted value and the actual observed value in a data set.
exponential modelA mathematical model of the form y = ab^x that describes data or phenomena exhibiting exponential growth or decay.
linear modelA mathematical representation of a linear relationship, expressed in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
modelA mathematical representation constructed from a data set to describe relationships or predict values.
overestimateA predicted value that is greater than the actual observed value.
quadratic modelA mathematical representation of a relationship between two variables using a quadratic function of the form f(x) = ax² + bx + c.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
regressionA statistical method for fitting a function to a data set to model the relationship between variables.
residual plotA graph displaying the residuals of a regression model, used to assess whether a model is appropriate for a data set.
residualsThe differences between the predicted values from a regression model and the actual observed values in a data set.
underestimateA predicted value that is less than the actual observed value.

2.7 Composition of Functions

TermDefinition
additive transformationA transformation of a function involving addition or subtraction, resulting in vertical and horizontal translations.
analytic representationAn algebraic formula or equation that explicitly defines a function.
commutativeA property where the order of operations does not affect the result; composition of functions is not commutative, meaning f ∘ g typically produces a different result than g ∘ f.
composite functionA function formed by combining two or more functions, where the output of one function becomes the input of another function, denoted as f ∘ g or f(g(x)).
composition of functionsA function operation where one function is applied to the output of another function, written as (f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)).
decomposedThe process of breaking down a complex function into simpler component functions that can be composed together.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
function compositionThe process of combining two or more functions where the output of one function becomes the input of another function.
graphical representationA visual representation of a function displayed on a coordinate plane.
horizontal dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function horizontally by multiplying the input by a constant factor b, written as g(x) = f(bx).
horizontal translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function left or right by adding a constant to the input, written as g(x) = f(x + h).
identity functionThe function h(x) = x, which serves as the line of reflection between inverse exponential and logarithmic functions.
input valueThe x-values or independent variable values used as inputs to a function.
multiplicative transformationA transformation of a function involving multiplication, resulting in vertical and horizontal dilations.
numerical representationA representation of a function using tables of values or ordered pairs (x, y).
output valueThe y-values or results produced by a function for given input values.
vertical dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function vertically by multiplying the function by a constant factor a, written as g(x) = af(x).
vertical translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function up or down by adding a constant k to the function, written as g(x) = f(x) + k.

2.8 Inverse Functions

TermDefinition
composite functionA function formed by combining two or more functions, where the output of one function becomes the input of another function, denoted as f ∘ g or f(g(x)).
composition of functionsA function operation where one function is applied to the output of another function, written as (f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)).
contextual restrictionsLimitations on a function's domain or range based on the real-world context or practical applicability of the function.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
identity functionThe function h(x) = x, which serves as the line of reflection between inverse exponential and logarithmic functions.
inputThe independent variable or value that is entered into a function.
input valueThe x-values or independent variable values used as inputs to a function.
inverse functionA function that reverses the mapping of another function, such that if f(x) = y, then f⁻¹(y) = x.
inverse operationsOperations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction or exponentiation and logarithms, used to reverse a function's mapping.
invertible domainThe domain of a function on which the function is one-to-one and therefore has an inverse function.
invertible functionA function that has an inverse function; a one-to-one function where each output corresponds to exactly one input.
output valueThe y-values or results produced by a function for given input values.
reflection over the line y = xA transformation that reverses the roles of x- and y-coordinates, used to graph an inverse function.
reverse mappingThe process by which an inverse function exchanges the roles of inputs and outputs from the original function.

2.9 Logarithmic Expressions

TermDefinition
baseThe number b in exponential functions b^x or logarithmic functions log_b x, where b > 0 and b ≠ 1.
common logarithmA logarithm with base 10, used when the base of a logarithmic expression is not specified.
exponential formThe representation of a logarithmic equation in the form b^a = c, equivalent to the logarithmic form log_b c = a.
logarithmThe exponent or power to which a base must be raised to obtain a given number.
logarithmic expressionA mathematical expression of the form log_b c, where b is the base and c is the argument, representing the exponent to which the base must be raised to obtain the value c.
logarithmic scaleA scale where each unit represents a multiplicative change equal to the base of the logarithm, such as powers of 10 on a base-10 logarithmic scale.

🥑Unit 3 – Trigonometric and Polar Functions

3.1 Periodic Phenomena

TermDefinition
concavityThe curvature of a function, describing whether the graph curves upward (concave up) or downward (concave down).
cycleA single complete repetition of a periodic pattern that can be used to construct the entire graph of a periodic relationship.
intervals of decreaseSections of a function's domain where the output values are getting smaller as the input increases.
intervals of increaseSections of a function's domain where the output values are getting larger as the input increases.
periodThe smallest positive value k such that a periodic function repeats its pattern, meaning f(x+k) = f(x) for all x in the domain.
periodic functionA function that repeats its values at regular intervals, where f(x+k) = f(x) for all x in the domain, with k being the period.
periodic relationshipA relationship between two variables where output values demonstrate a repeating pattern over successive equal-length intervals as input values increase.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
repeating patternA sequence of values or behaviors that recurs at regular intervals in a periodic relationship.

3.10 Trigonometric Equations and Inequalities

TermDefinition
domain restrictionsLimitations on the input values of a function based on mathematical validity, contextual meaning, or extreme values in the data set.
inverse trigonometric functionsFunctions that reverse the operation of trigonometric functions, taking a trigonometric ratio as input and returning an angle measure as output.
periodicA property of trigonometric functions where they repeat their values at regular intervals.
trigonometric equationsEquations that contain trigonometric functions and require finding the values of the variable that satisfy the equation.
trigonometric inequalitiesInequalities that contain trigonometric functions and require finding the values of the variable that satisfy the inequality.

3.11 The Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent Functions

TermDefinition
cosecant functionThe reciprocal of the sine function, denoted f(θ) = csc θ, defined where sin θ ≠ 0.
cotangent functionThe reciprocal of the tangent function, denoted f(θ) = cot θ, equivalent to cos θ/sin θ where sin θ ≠ 0.
rangeThe set of all possible output values that a function can produce.
reciprocal functionA function formed by taking the reciprocal (1/f) of another function.
secant functionThe reciprocal of the cosine function, denoted f(θ) = sec θ, defined where cos θ ≠ 0.
vertical asymptotesLines where a function approaches infinity; for secant and cosecant functions, these occur where cosine and sine equal zero, respectively.

3.12 Equivalent Representations of Trigonometric Functions

TermDefinition
algebraic manipulationThe process of rewriting expressions using algebraic operations to transform them into equivalent forms.
cosine sum identityThe trigonometric identity cos(α + β) = cos α cos β - sin α sin β, which expresses the cosine of a sum of two angles.
difference identitiesTrigonometric identities derived from sum identities by substituting negative angles, used to express trigonometric functions of angle differences.
domain restrictionsLimitations on the input values of a function based on mathematical validity, contextual meaning, or extreme values in the data set.
double-angle identitiesTrigonometric identities that express trigonometric functions of twice an angle in terms of functions of the original angle.
equivalent analytic representationsDifferent algebraic forms of trigonometric expressions that are mathematically equal and can reveal different properties or simplify problem-solving.
equivalent formsDifferent ways of writing the same mathematical expression that have equal values for all valid inputs.
Pythagorean identityThe fundamental trigonometric identity sin² θ + cos² θ = 1, derived from the Pythagorean Theorem applied to the unit circle.
sine sum identityThe trigonometric identity sin(α + β) = sin α cos β + cos α sin β, which expresses the sine of a sum of two angles.
trigonometric equationsEquations that contain trigonometric functions and require finding the values of the variable that satisfy the equation.
trigonometric expressionsMathematical expressions involving trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, and their reciprocals.
trigonometric identityAn equation involving trigonometric functions that is true for all values in the domain of the functions.
trigonometric inequalitiesInequalities that contain trigonometric functions and require finding the values of the variable that satisfy the inequality.
unit circleA circle with radius 1 centered at the origin, used to define trigonometric functions where a point on the circle has coordinates (cos θ, sin θ).

3.13 Trigonometry and Polar Coordinates

TermDefinition
angle in standard positionAn angle positioned in the coordinate plane with its vertex at the origin and one ray coinciding with the positive x-axis.
complex numberA number of the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary unit.
complex planeA coordinate system where complex numbers are represented as points, with the real part on the horizontal axis and the imaginary part on the vertical axis.
originThe central point in a polar coordinate system from which all distances (radii) are measured.
polar coordinateA coordinate system in which points are located by their distance from the origin (radius r) and their angle measure (θ) from the positive x-axis.
polar coordinate systemA coordinate system based on circles centered at the origin and lines through the origin, where points are located using an ordered pair (r, θ).
radiusIn polar coordinates, the distance from the origin to a point, represented by |r|.
rectangular coordinateAn ordered pair (x, y) representing the horizontal and vertical position of a point in the plane.
rectangular coordinate systemA coordinate system where points are located using an ordered pair (x, y) representing horizontal and vertical distances from the origin.
terminal rayThe ray that forms the final side of an angle in standard position.

3.14 Polar Function Graphs

TermDefinition
angle measureThe input value in a polar function that represents the direction from the positive x-axis, typically measured in radians or degrees.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
originThe central point in a polar coordinate system from which all distances (radii) are measured.
polar coordinateA coordinate system in which points are located by their distance from the origin (radius r) and their angle measure (θ) from the positive x-axis.
polar functionsFunctions of the form r = f(θ) where the input is an angle measure and the output is a radius, used to create graphs in polar coordinates.
positive x-axisThe reference direction in a polar coordinate system from which angle measures are taken.
radiusIn polar coordinates, the distance from the origin to a point, represented by |r|.

3.15 Rates of Change in Polar Functions

TermDefinition
average rate of changeThe change in the output of a function divided by the change in the input over a specified interval, calculated as (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a) for the interval [a, b].
polar functionA function of the form r = f(θ) that describes a curve in the polar coordinate system, where r is the distance from the origin and θ is the angle.
relative extremumA point on a function where the function changes from increasing to decreasing (relative maximum) or from decreasing to increasing (relative minimum).

3.2 Sine, Cosine, and Tangent

TermDefinition
cosine functionA trigonometric function that gives the x-coordinate (horizontal displacement from the y-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
radian measureThe measure of an angle defined as the ratio of the arc length subtended by the angle to the radius of the circle.
sine functionA trigonometric function that gives the y-coordinate (vertical displacement from the x-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
standard positionThe position of an angle with its vertex at the origin and its initial side along the positive x-axis.
tangent functionA trigonometric function, denoted f(θ) = tan θ, that gives the slope of the terminal ray of an angle in standard position on the unit circle.
terminal rayThe ray that forms the final side of an angle in standard position.
unit circleA circle with radius 1 centered at the origin, used to define trigonometric functions where a point on the circle has coordinates (cos θ, sin θ).

3.3 Sine and Cosine Function Values

TermDefinition
angle in standard positionAn angle positioned in the coordinate plane with its vertex at the origin and one ray coinciding with the positive x-axis.
circle centered at the originA circle whose center is at the point (0, 0) on the coordinate plane.
coordinatesThe ordered pair (x, y) that specifies the location of a point on a coordinate plane.
cosine functionA trigonometric function that gives the x-coordinate (horizontal displacement from the y-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
equilateral triangleA triangle with all three sides equal in length and all angles measuring 60°.
isosceles right triangleA right triangle with two equal sides and angles of 45°-45°-90°.
multiples of π/4Angles that are integer multiples of π/4 radians (45°), including π/4, π/2, 3π/4, π, etc.
multiples of π/6Angles that are integer multiples of π/6 radians (30°), including π/6, π/3, π/2, 2π/3, etc.
quadrantOne of the four regions of the coordinate plane divided by the x-axis and y-axis.
radianA unit of angle measure where one radian is the angle formed when the arc length equals the radius of the circle.
radiusIn polar coordinates, the distance from the origin to a point, represented by |r|.
sine functionA trigonometric function that gives the y-coordinate (vertical displacement from the x-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
terminal rayThe ray that forms the final side of an angle in standard position.

3.4 Sine and Cosine Function Graphs

TermDefinition
cosine functionA trigonometric function that gives the x-coordinate (horizontal displacement from the y-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
oscillateTo move back and forth between two values in a regular, repeating pattern.
sine functionA trigonometric function that gives the y-coordinate (vertical displacement from the x-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
standard positionThe position of an angle with its vertex at the origin and its initial side along the positive x-axis.
terminal rayThe ray that forms the final side of an angle in standard position.
unit circleA circle with radius 1 centered at the origin, used to define trigonometric functions where a point on the circle has coordinates (cos θ, sin θ).
x-coordinateThe horizontal position of a point, representing its distance from the y-axis.
y-coordinateThe vertical position of a point, representing its distance from the x-axis.

3.5 Sinusoidal Functions

TermDefinition
amplitudeThe absolute value of the coefficient a in a sinusoidal function, representing the maximum distance from the midline to the peak or trough of the graph.
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
cosine functionA trigonometric function that gives the x-coordinate (horizontal displacement from the y-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
even functionA function that is graphically symmetric over the line x = 0 and satisfies the property f(−x) = f(x).
frequencyThe number of complete cycles of a sinusoidal function that occur over a unit interval of input values.
midlineThe horizontal line around which a sinusoidal function oscillates, located at y = d in the function a sin(b(θ + c)) + d.
odd functionA function that is graphically symmetric about the point (0,0) and satisfies the property f(−x) = −f(x).
periodThe smallest positive value k such that a periodic function repeats its pattern, meaning f(x+k) = f(x) for all x in the domain.
reflective symmetryA property of a graph that is mirror-symmetric across a line; the cosine function has reflective symmetry over the y-axis.
rotational symmetryA property of a graph that looks the same when rotated 180 degrees about a point; the sine function has rotational symmetry about the origin.
sine functionA trigonometric function that gives the y-coordinate (vertical displacement from the x-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
sinusoidal functionA function of the form f(θ) = a sin(b(θ + c)) + d or g(θ) = a cos(b(θ + c)) + d, where a, b, c, and d are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

3.6 Sinusoidal Function Transformations

TermDefinition
amplitudeThe absolute value of the coefficient a in a sinusoidal function, representing the maximum distance from the midline to the peak or trough of the graph.
horizontal dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function horizontally by multiplying the input by a constant factor b, written as g(x) = f(bx).
horizontal translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function left or right by adding a constant to the input, written as g(x) = f(x + h).
midlineThe horizontal line around which a sinusoidal function oscillates, located at y = d in the function a sin(b(θ + c)) + d.
periodThe smallest positive value k such that a periodic function repeats its pattern, meaning f(x+k) = f(x) for all x in the domain.
phase shiftA horizontal translation of a sinusoidal function represented by the constant c, which shifts the graph left or right by -c units.
sinusoidal functionA function of the form f(θ) = a sin(b(θ + c)) + d or g(θ) = a cos(b(θ + c)) + d, where a, b, c, and d are real numbers and a ≠ 0.
vertical dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function vertically by multiplying the function by a constant factor a, written as g(x) = af(x).
vertical shiftA vertical translation of a sinusoidal function represented by the additive constant d, which moves the entire graph up or down and shifts the midline.
vertical translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function up or down by adding a constant k to the function, written as g(x) = f(x) + k.

3.7 Sinusoidal Function Context and Data Modeling

TermDefinition
amplitudeThe absolute value of the coefficient a in a sinusoidal function, representing the maximum distance from the midline to the peak or trough of the graph.
contextual domainThe range of input values for which a sinusoidal function model is meaningful and applicable within a real-world context.
frequencyThe number of complete cycles of a sinusoidal function that occur over a unit interval of input values.
periodThe smallest positive value k such that a periodic function repeats its pattern, meaning f(x+k) = f(x) for all x in the domain.
periodic phenomenaEvents or patterns that repeat at regular intervals over time or space.
phase shiftA horizontal translation of a sinusoidal function represented by the constant c, which shifts the graph left or right by -c units.
sinusoidal functionA function of the form f(θ) = a sin(b(θ + c)) + d or g(θ) = a cos(b(θ + c)) + d, where a, b, c, and d are real numbers and a ≠ 0.
sinusoidal regressionA statistical method using technology to fit a sinusoidal function to a data set by estimating the best-fit parameters.
vertical shiftA vertical translation of a sinusoidal function represented by the additive constant d, which moves the entire graph up or down and shifts the midline.

3.8 The Tangent Function

TermDefinition
additive transformationA transformation of a function involving addition or subtraction, resulting in vertical and horizontal translations.
asymptoteLines that a graph approaches but never reaches, indicating behavior at infinity or at points of discontinuity.
concave downA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is decreasing, creating a curve that opens downward.
concave upA characteristic of a graph where the rate of change is increasing, creating a curve that opens upward.
cosine functionA trigonometric function that gives the x-coordinate (horizontal displacement from the y-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
horizontal dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function horizontally by multiplying the input by a constant factor b, written as g(x) = f(bx).
horizontal translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function left or right by adding a constant to the input, written as g(x) = f(x + h).
multiplicative transformationA transformation of a function involving multiplication, resulting in vertical and horizontal dilations.
periodThe smallest positive value k such that a periodic function repeats its pattern, meaning f(x+k) = f(x) for all x in the domain.
periodicA property of trigonometric functions where they repeat their values at regular intervals.
phase shiftA horizontal translation of a sinusoidal function represented by the constant c, which shifts the graph left or right by -c units.
point of inflectionA point on the graph of a polynomial where the concavity changes from concave up to concave down or vice versa, occurring where the rate of change changes from increasing to decreasing or decreasing to increasing.
reflection over the x-axisA transformation that flips the graph of a function across the x-axis, occurring when the multiplicative factor is negative in a vertical dilation.
reflection over the y-axisA transformation that flips the graph of a function across the y-axis, occurring when the multiplicative factor is negative in a horizontal dilation.
sine functionA trigonometric function that gives the y-coordinate (vertical displacement from the x-axis) of a point on the unit circle corresponding to a given angle.
slopeThe rate of change of a line, representing how much the output changes for each unit change in the input.
standard positionThe position of an angle with its vertex at the origin and its initial side along the positive x-axis.
tangent functionA trigonometric function, denoted f(θ) = tan θ, that gives the slope of the terminal ray of an angle in standard position on the unit circle.
terminal rayThe ray that forms the final side of an angle in standard position.
unit circleA circle with radius 1 centered at the origin, used to define trigonometric functions where a point on the circle has coordinates (cos θ, sin θ).
vertical dilationA transformation that stretches or compresses the graph of a function vertically by multiplying the function by a constant factor a, written as g(x) = af(x).
vertical translationA transformation that shifts the graph of a function up or down by adding a constant k to the function, written as g(x) = f(x) + k.

3.9 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

TermDefinition
arccosineThe inverse function of cosine, denoted cos⁻¹(x), that returns an angle whose cosine equals the input value.
arcsineThe inverse function of sine, denoted sin⁻¹(x), that returns an angle whose sine equals the input value.
arctangentThe inverse function of tangent, denoted tan⁻¹(x), that returns an angle whose tangent equals the input value.
inverse trigonometric functionsFunctions that reverse the operation of trigonometric functions, taking a trigonometric ratio as input and returning an angle measure as output.
invertible functionA function that has an inverse function; a one-to-one function where each output corresponds to exactly one input.
periodicA property of trigonometric functions where they repeat their values at regular intervals.
restricted domainA limited interval of input values for a trigonometric function that makes it one-to-one and therefore invertible.

🍓Unit 4 – Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices

4.10 Matrices

TermDefinition
columnThe vertical lines of elements in a matrix.
dot productA scalar quantity obtained by multiplying the magnitudes of two vectors and the cosine of the angle between them; equals zero when vectors are perpendicular.
matrixA rectangular array of numbers arranged in rows and columns that represents a linear transformation.
matrix productThe product of two matrices that represents the composition of their corresponding linear transformations.
rowThe horizontal lines of elements in a matrix.

4.1 Parametric Functions

TermDefinition
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
parameterAn independent variable (often denoted t) used to express the coordinates of points on a curve in parametric form.
parametric equationsA pair of equations that express x and y coordinates as functions of a parameter, typically written as x(t) and y(t).
parametric functionA function that expresses the coordinates of a point as functions of a parameter, typically time t, written as f(t) = (x(t), y(t)).

4.11 The Inverse and Determinant of a Matrix

TermDefinition
2 × 2 matrixA square matrix with 2 rows and 2 columns.
column vectorVectors represented as columns in a matrix; when two column vectors form a 2×2 matrix, the absolute value of the determinant gives the area of the parallelogram they span.
determinantA scalar value calculated from a square matrix that determines whether the matrix is invertible; for a 2×2 matrix [a b; c d], the determinant equals ad - bc.
identity matrixA square matrix with 1s on the main diagonal (from top left to bottom right) and 0s everywhere else.
invertibilityThe property of a square matrix that has an inverse; a matrix is invertible if and only if its determinant is nonzero.
matrix inverseA matrix that, when multiplied by the original matrix, produces the identity matrix; a square matrix has an inverse if and only if its determinant is nonzero.
parallel vectorsVectors that have the same or opposite direction, resulting from scalar multiplication of a vector by a constant.
parallelogramA quadrilateral formed by two vectors; the area of the parallelogram spanned by two vectors equals the absolute value of the determinant of the matrix formed by those vectors.
row vectorVectors represented as rows in a matrix; when two row vectors form a 2×2 matrix, the absolute value of the determinant gives the area of the parallelogram they span.
square matrixA matrix with the same number of rows and columns; only square matrices can have determinants and inverses.

4.12 Linear Transformations and Matrices

TermDefinition
input vectorThe vector that is mapped or transformed by a linear transformation.
linear transformationA function that maps vectors to vectors while preserving vector addition and scalar multiplication, represented by a matrix.
matrix multiplicationThe operation of multiplying a transformation matrix by a vector or matrix to produce output vectors.
output vectorThe resulting vector produced by applying a linear transformation to an input vector.
ℝ²The two-dimensional real vector space consisting of all ordered pairs of real numbers.
transformation matrixA 2 × 2 matrix A that represents a linear transformation, where L(v) = Av for vectors v in ℝ².
zero vectorA vector with components ⟨0, 0⟩ that occurs when the tail and head are at the same point.

4.13 Matrices as Functions

TermDefinition
composition of functionsA function operation where one function is applied to the output of another function, written as (f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)).
composition of linear transformationsThe result of applying one linear transformation followed by another linear transformation.
determinantA scalar value calculated from a square matrix that determines whether the matrix is invertible; for a 2×2 matrix [a b; c d], the determinant equals ad - bc.
dilationA linear transformation that scales regions by a constant factor, with the magnitude determined by the absolute value of the determinant.
inverse transformationsTwo linear transformations that are inverses if their composition maps any vector to itself, effectively undoing each other's effects.
linear transformationA function that maps vectors to vectors while preserving vector addition and scalar multiplication, represented by a matrix.
matrixA rectangular array of numbers arranged in rows and columns that represents a linear transformation.
matrix inverseA matrix that, when multiplied by the original matrix, produces the identity matrix; a square matrix has an inverse if and only if its determinant is nonzero.
matrix productThe product of two matrices that represents the composition of their corresponding linear transformations.
rotationA linear transformation that rotates every vector by a fixed angle about the origin without changing its length.
unit vectorA vector with a magnitude of 1, often used to indicate direction.
vectorA mathematical object with both magnitude and direction, represented as an ordered pair of components in ℝ².

4.14 Matrices Modeling Contexts

TermDefinition
discrete intervalsSeparate, distinct time periods or steps used to measure changes in a system, rather than continuous time.
future statesThe predicted conditions or distributions of a system at subsequent time steps using matrix multiplication.
matrix inverseA matrix that, when multiplied by the original matrix, produces the identity matrix; a square matrix has an inverse if and only if its determinant is nonzero.
matrix modelsMathematical representations using matrices to represent transitions or changes between different states in a system.
past statesThe predicted conditions or distributions of a system at previous time steps using the inverse of a transition matrix.
percent changeThe relative change in a quantity expressed as a percentage, which is related to the growth factor in an exponential model.
repeated multiplicationA process where an initial value is multiplied by the same proportion multiple times, which can be modeled using logarithmic functions.
state vectorA column vector that represents the distribution or values across different states at a particular point in time.
steady stateA distribution between states that remains unchanged from one step to the next after repeated matrix multiplication.
transition matrixA matrix that models the probabilities or rates of moving from one state to another in a system.
transitions between statesChanges or movements from one condition or situation to another in a system being modeled.

4.2 Parametric Functions Modeling Planar Motion

TermDefinition
horizontal extremaThe maximum and minimum x-coordinates reached by a particle during its motion, found by identifying extrema of x(t).
parametric functionA function that expresses the coordinates of a point as functions of a parameter, typically time t, written as f(t) = (x(t), y(t)).
particle motionThe path and position of a particle as it moves through space over time, modeled using parametric equations.
planar motionThe movement of a particle or object in a two-dimensional plane.
real zeroA real number value that makes a polynomial function equal to zero, corresponding to an x-intercept on the graph.
vertical extremaThe maximum and minimum y-coordinates reached by a particle during its motion, found by identifying extrema of y(t).
x-interceptThe point where a graph crosses or touches the x-axis, occurring at (a, 0) when a is a real zero of the function.
y-interceptsThe points where the particle's path crosses the y-axis, corresponding to the real zeros of x(t).

4.3 Parametric Functions and Rates of Change

TermDefinition
average rate of changeThe change in the output of a function divided by the change in the input over a specified interval, calculated as (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a) for the interval [a, b].
direction of motionThe path direction a particle follows in the plane, determined by whether x(t) and y(t) are increasing or decreasing.
parametric planar motion functionA function that describes the motion of a particle in a plane using a parameter (typically time) to define both x and y coordinates independently.
parametrizationA representation of a curve using a pair of functions (x(t), y(t)) where both x and y are expressed in terms of a parameter t.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
slope of the graphThe ratio of the average rate of change of y to the average rate of change of x between two points on a parametric curve.

4.4 Parametrically Defined Circles and Lines

TermDefinition
circular pathA curve traced in the plane that forms a circle, defined by parametric equations.
counterclockwise revolutionMotion around a circle in the counterclockwise direction, completing a full 360-degree rotation.
line segmentThe portion of a line between two endpoints, characterized by a starting point and an ending point.
linear pathA straight line segment connecting two points in the coordinate plane.
parametric functionA function that expresses the coordinates of a point as functions of a parameter, typically time t, written as f(t) = (x(t), y(t)).
parametricallyExpressed using parametric equations where x and y coordinates are defined as functions of a parameter, typically time (t).
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
transformationChanges applied to a parent function such as translations, reflections, stretches, or compressions.
unit circleA circle with radius 1 centered at the origin, used to define trigonometric functions where a point on the circle has coordinates (cos θ, sin θ).

4.5 Implicitly Defined Functions

TermDefinition
equation involving two variablesA mathematical statement with an equals sign containing two different variables, which can describe one or more functions or be graphed in a coordinate plane.
implicitly defined functionA function defined by an equation relating x and y, rather than explicitly solving for y in terms of x.
ordered pairsPoints on a graph represented as (x, y) coordinates that satisfy the equation of a function.
rate of changeThe measure of how quickly a function's output changes relative to changes in its input.
solutions to an equationThe ordered pairs of values that satisfy an equation involving two variables and can be plotted as points on a graph.

4.6 Conic Sections

TermDefinition
asymptoteLines that a graph approaches but never reaches, indicating behavior at infinity or at points of discontinuity.
circleA special case of an ellipse where the horizontal and vertical radii are equal (a = b).
conic sectionsCurves formed by the intersection of a plane with a cone, including parabolas, ellipses, circles, and hyperbolas.
ellipseA conic section formed when a plane intersects a cone at an angle, or the set of points where the sum of distances to two foci is constant.
horizontal radiusThe distance from the center of an ellipse to its edge along the horizontal axis, represented by the value a.
hyperbolaA conic section formed when a plane intersects both nappes of a cone, or the set of points where the difference of distances to two foci is constant.
parabolaA conic section formed when a plane intersects a cone parallel to its side, or the set of points equidistant from a focus and directrix.
vertexThe point (h, k) that represents the center or turning point of a parabola.
vertical radiusThe distance from the center of an ellipse to its edge along the vertical axis, represented by the value b.

4.7 Parametrization of Implicitly Defined Functions

TermDefinition
conic sectionsCurves formed by the intersection of a plane with a cone, including parabolas, ellipses, circles, and hyperbolas.
domainThe set of all possible input values for which a function is defined.
ellipseA conic section formed when a plane intersects a cone at an angle, or the set of points where the sum of distances to two foci is constant.
hyperbolaA conic section formed when a plane intersects both nappes of a cone, or the set of points where the difference of distances to two foci is constant.
implicitly defined functionA function defined by an equation relating x and y, rather than explicitly solving for y in terms of x.
inverse functionA function that reverses the mapping of another function, such that if f(x) = y, then f⁻¹(y) = x.
invertible functionA function that has an inverse function; a one-to-one function where each output corresponds to exactly one input.
parabolaA conic section formed when a plane intersects a cone parallel to its side, or the set of points equidistant from a focus and directrix.
parameterAn independent variable (often denoted t) used to express the coordinates of points on a curve in parametric form.
parametric equationsA pair of equations that express x and y coordinates as functions of a parameter, typically written as x(t) and y(t).
parametrizationA representation of a curve using a pair of functions (x(t), y(t)) where both x and y are expressed in terms of a parameter t.
trigonometric parametrizationA method of representing curves using trigonometric functions (such as sine, cosine, secant, and tangent) as the parametric equations.

4.8 Vectors

TermDefinition
angle measureThe input value in a polar function that represents the direction from the positive x-axis, typically measured in radians or degrees.
componentsThe horizontal (a) and vertical (b) values of a vector, where a = x₂ - x₁ and b = y₂ - y₁.
directed line segmentA line segment with a specified direction from a starting point to an ending point.
directionThe orientation of a vector, which is parallel to the line segment from the origin to the point with coordinates (a, b).
dot productA scalar quantity obtained by multiplying the magnitudes of two vectors and the cosine of the angle between them; equals zero when vectors are perpendicular.
headThe ending point or tip of a vector.
Law of CosinesA relationship used to find side lengths or angle measures in a triangle when given other side lengths and angles.
Law of SinesA relationship stating that the ratio of a side length to the sine of its opposite angle is constant for all sides and angles in a triangle.
magnitudeThe length of a vector, calculated as the square root of the sum of the squares of its components.
parallel vectorsVectors that have the same or opposite direction, resulting from scalar multiplication of a vector by a constant.
perpendicularTwo vectors are perpendicular when the angle between them is 90 degrees, indicated by a dot product of zero.
scalar multiplicationThe multiplication of a constant (scalar) by a vector, resulting in a new vector whose components are each multiplied by that constant.
standard basis vectorsThe unit vectors →i = ⟨1, 0⟩ and →j = ⟨0, 1⟩ that point in the positive x and y directions, respectively, in ℝ².
tailThe starting point or beginning of a vector.
unit vectorA vector with a magnitude of 1, often used to indicate direction.
vectorA mathematical object with both magnitude and direction, represented as an ordered pair of components in ℝ².
vector additionThe process of combining two or more vectors to produce a resultant vector.
vector sumThe addition of two vectors by adding their corresponding components to produce a new vector.
zero vectorA vector with components ⟨0, 0⟩ that occurs when the tail and head are at the same point.

4.9 Vector-Valued Functions

TermDefinition
parametric functionA function that expresses the coordinates of a point as functions of a parameter, typically time t, written as f(t) = (x(t), y(t)).
planar motionThe movement of a particle or object in a two-dimensional plane.
position vectorA vector that represents the location of a particle relative to the origin, with magnitude equal to the distance from the origin.
speedThe magnitude of the velocity vector, representing the rate at which a particle is moving regardless of direction.
vector-valued functionA function that outputs vectors, typically expressed as p(t) = ⟨x(t), y(t)⟩ or p(t) = x(t)i + y(t)j, where each input t produces a vector output.
velocity vectorA vector-valued function v(t) = ⟨x'(t), y'(t)⟩ that represents the rate of change of position with respect to time, indicating both direction and speed of motion.

Browse All A-Z

A

C

D