PreCalculus Formulas

Sequences and Series: Complex and Polars:

Binomial Theorem DeMoivre’s Theorem:
Arithmetic Last Term Geometric Last Term
⎛ n⎞
n
[r (cosθ + i sin θ )]n = r n (cos niθ + i sin niθ )
( a + b) = ∑ ⎜ ⎟ a n− k b k
n
an = a1 + (n − 1)d an = a1r n −1
k =0 ⎝ k ⎠ r = a 2 + b2 x = r cosθ a + bi
Find the rth term Arithmetic Partial Sum Geometric Partial Sum b
θ = arctan y = r sin θ i = −1
⎛ n ⎞ n−( r −1) r −1 ⎛a +a ⎞ ⎛1− rn ⎞ i 2 = −1
⎜ r − 1⎟ a b Sn = n ⎜ 1 n ⎟ S n = a1 ⎜ ⎟
a
( r ,θ ) → ( x , y )
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 1− r ⎠
Functions: Determinants:
To find the inverse function: f -1 (x) Composition of functions:
1. Set function = y ( f g )( x) = f ( g ( x)) 3 5
= 3i3 − 5i4 Use your calculator
2. Interchange the variables ( g f )( x) = g ( f ( x)) 4 3 for 3x3 determinants.
3. Solve for y (f −1
f )( x) = x
Algebra of functions: ( f + g )( x) = f ( x) + g ( x) ; ( f − g )( x) = f ( x) − g ( x) Cramer’s Rule:
( f i g )( x) = f ( x)i g ( x) ; ( f / g )( x) = f ( x) / g ( x), g ( x) ≠ 0 ax + by = c 1⎛c b a c⎞
⎜ , ⎟
Domains:: D( f ( x)) ∩ D( g ( x)) dx + ey = f a b⎝ f e d f ⎠
Domain (usable x’s) Asymptotes: (vertical) Asymptotes: (horizontal) d e
Watch for problems with Check to see if the x+3
zero denominators and with denominator could ever be 1. f ( x) = 2 Also apply Cramer’s rule to 3 equations with 3
x −2 unknowns.
negatives under radicals. zero. top power < bottom power Trig:
x means y = 0 (z-axis)
Range (y’s used) f ( x) = 2 Reference Triangles:
x + x−6 4 x2 − 5
2. f ( x) = 2
Difference Quotient 3x + 4 x + 6
f ( x + h) − f ( x ) Vertical asymptotes at top power = bottom power
x = -3 and x = 2 means y = 4/3
h
terms not containing a mult. (coefficients)
o a o
of h will be eliminated. x3 sin θ = ; cos θ = ; tan θ = BowTie
3. f ( x) = None! h h a
x+4
h h a
top power > bottom power csc θ = ; secθ = ; cotθ =
o a o

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Analytic Geometry: Induction:
Circle Ellipse c → focus length where Eccentricity:
major length is hypotenuse Find P(1):
( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 = r 2 ( x − h) 2 ( y − k ) 2 e = 0 circle Assume P(k) is
of right triangle.
+ =1 0 < e < 1 ellipse true:
Remember “completing the square” process a2 b2
for all conics. Latus rectum lengths from e = 1 parabola Show P(k+1) is
larger denominator → major
focus are b2/a e > 1 hyperbola true:
axis and smaller denominator
→ minor axis
Parabola vertex to focus = Hyperbola a→transverse axis
a, length to b→conjugate axis Rate of Growth/Decay: y = y0 ekt
( x − h) = 4a ( y − k )
2
directrix = a, latus ( x − h) 2
( y − k) 2
c→focus where c is the
rectum length 2
− =1 hypotenuse. y = end result, y0 = start amount,
( y − k ) 2 = 4a ( x − h) from focus = 2a
a b2 asymptotes needed Be sure to find the value of k first.
Latus length from focus b2/a
Polynomials:
Remainder Theorem: Synthetic Division Depress equation Far-left/Far-right Behavior of a Polynomial
Substitute into the Mantra: The leading term (anxn ) of the polynomial determines the
expression to find the “Bring down, multiply far-left/far-right behavior of the graph according to the
−b ± b 2 − 4ac
remainder. and add, multiply and x= following chart. (“Parity” of n Æ whether n is odd or even.)
[(x + 3) substitutes -3] add…” 2a
[when dividing by (x - 5), (also use calculator to LEFT-HAND BEHAVIOR
use +5 for synthetic
division]
examine roots) anxn n is even n is odd
(same as right) (opposite right)
Descartes’ Rule of Analysis of Roots Upper bounds:
Signs P N C Chart All values in chart are +
1. Maximum possible # * all rows add to the Lower bounds:
of positive roots → degree Values alternate signs an > 0
* complex roots come in RIGHT-
number of sign changes No remainder: Root HAND
in f (x) conjugate pairs
always positive negative x < 0
* product of roots - sign BEHAVIOR positive x > 0
Sum of roots is the
of constant (same if or
2. Maximum possible # degree even, opposite if
coefficient of second Leading
of negative roots → degree odd) term with sign changed. Coefficient Test
number of sign changes * decrease P or N entries an < 0
in f (-x) by 2 Product of roots is the
constant term (sign always positive x < 0
changed if odd degree, negative negative x > 0
unchanged if even degree).

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