Properties of Functions
Vertex
The highest or lowest point of a parabola.
Equation: y=x²
Equation: y=(x-2)²+3
Equation: y=-(x+1)²+4
Point of Inflection
A point where concavity changes.
Equation: y=x³
Equation: y=x³-3x
Equation: y=tan(x)
Cusp
A sharp point where derivative is undefined.
Equation: y=|x|^(2/3)
Equation: y=|x|^(1/3)
Equation: y=|x|
Local and Absolute Extrema
Points of highest/lowest value locally or overall.
Equation: y=x²
Equation: y=-x²+4
Equation: y=x³-3x
Positive and Negative Intervals
Intervals where function values are above or below x-axis.
Equation: y=x²-1
Equation: y=1-x²
Equation: y=x²-1
Increasing and Decreasing Intervals
Where the function rises or falls as x increases.
Equation: y=x
Equation: y=-x
Equation: y=x²
Concavity (Up and Down)
Concave up: cup shape; Concave down: cap shape.
Equation: y=x²
Equation: y=-x²
Equation: y=x²
Discontinuities
Types of breaks in the graph of a function.
Equation: y=1/x
Equation: y=(x²-1)/(x-1)
Equation: Piecewise: f(x)=1 for x<0, f(x)=2 for x≥0
Inequality Notation
Describes domain/range using inequalities.
Equation: -2 ≤ x ≤ 2
Equation: x > 0
Equation: y ≥ 0
Set Notation
Describes domain/range using set-builder notation.
Equation: {x ∈ ■ | -2 ≤ x ≤ 2}
Equation: {x ∈ ■ | x>0}
Equation: {y ∈ ■ | y ≥ 0}
