● Quadratic Function

A quadratic in standard form:

f (x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0
Quadratics have the parts a, b, and c. A and b may never be equal to zero, and if c is not written
it is equal to 0. If a is not written it is equal to 1.
f (x) = a(x − p)(x − q )
Above is a quadratic in factored form. You get this by factoring an equation in standard form. To
convert a factored equation into a standard form one, you must expand (simplifying). P and q
represent the x intercepts
f (x) = a(x − h)2 + k
Above is a quadratic in vertex form. To convert a standard equation to a vertex form one you
must “complete the square.” To get back to standard form, simplify.

● Polynomial Functions
Are a series of “many” terms that are made up of coefficients and positive integer exponents.
They have this form:

● Leading Coefficient
Numbers written in the front of the variable with the highest exponent (this whole thing is called
the leading term). They can be positive, negative, real, or imaginary.
● Degree
The degree of a polynomial function is the greatest/highest exponent of the equation. THis also
determines the most number of solutions/roots a function can have and times a function will
cross the x-axis.
● End Behavior
The end behavior of a function on a graph would be at the “ends” of the x-axis. The end
behavior helps determine the trend at which x approaches ±∞.
● Y Intercept
The y intercept is the point where the graph/function crosses the y axis, when x=0.
● X Intercept
The x intercept is the point where the graph/function crosses the x axis, when y=0. These are
also known as the roots, solutions, or zeros.
● Multiplicity
The number of times a given factor appears in the factored form of the equation of a polynomial
is called multiplicity.
● Local and Global Extrema
A local Extrema of a function is a point in which a max/min value of a function is, but it is not the
highest/lowest vertex point of the function overall. The Global Extrema is the highest/lowest
point of the whole function.
● Inflection Points
An inflection point is where in a function at which the curvature changes signs. When the
function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa.
● Intervals
Positive intervals are positive regions of a function that are above the x axis. Negative intervals
are negative regions of a function which are below the x axis.
● Rational Functions
A rational function is just a ratio of polynomial functions. They have this form:

One key characteristic of rational functions is that they are discontinuous (disconnected) usually
in the form of asymptotes.
● Asymptotes
Are lines that describe the functions behavior or general shape. The function is always
approaching​ the asymptote, but never touches or crosses it; this means they get ​infinitely​ ​close
to each other. Asymptotes are where the function is undefined. ​“An ​asymptote​ is a ​line​ that 
the function ​approaches​, as we ​tend​ to ​an infinity​ (in either the ​x​ or y
​ ​ directions).”​ -

Timmy

● Vertical Asymptotes
V.A.s happen when the function is undefined, meaning that it’s being divided by 0. To find the
V.A.s, find the 0s of the denominator. There may be multiple V.A.s, and the function will never
touch or cross them.
 ● Horizontal Asymptotes
There will only ever be 1 H.A. per rational function. The function can cross them, just not while
near ±∞. To find H.A.s, plug in ±∞ for x. Note that IF the degree of the numerator, ​m​, is EQUAL
to the degree of the denominator, ​n,​ then the H.A. will reduce to be just the leading coefficients
divided by each other. Now, if ​m​ is LESS THAN ​n,​ you should be able to convince yourself that
the function reduces to just 0.
● Slant/Oblique Asymptotes
These appear when the degree of the numerator is greater (m) than that of the denominator (n).
To find the asymptote, do polynomial long division or use a site like ​wolfram alpha​ (look for
quotient and remainder for your answer). Your quotient will be your equation for the oblique
asymptote (it’ll be a linear equation if m<n by only 1).
● Domain
The set of all possible x values for a function.
● Range
Is the set of all possible y values for a function.