Pre-cal Exam#1

Things to know
R.2 Real numbers and their properties
Distance formula D=lb-al
R.3 Polynomials
Know how to multiply/divide and
add/subtract polynomial
Know how to perform long division
with polynomials
R.4 Factoring polynomials
(x2 +y2) = x2+2xy+y2
(x2 -y2) = x2-2xy+y2
Know differences of squares (only
subtraction) and difference/sum of
cubes.
Be able to factor bi-tri-and
polynomials
R.5 Rational expressions

 Know how to multiply/divide

fractions
Lots of factoring and lcd(clear
complex fractions)
R.6 Rational exponents
Know how to deal with positive and
negative exponents.
R.7 Radical Expressions
Dont allow radical number to stay
in the denominator of a rational
number
To rationalize binomial radical
expressions, multiply denominator
and numerator by the
denominators conjugate.
(be sure to factor and simplify if
needed)
1.7 Inequalities

 For quadratic inequalities, factor,

solve for x then make a table
(make a table for most types).
If it doesnt factor use the
quadratic formula
For rational inequalities, move
everything to one side and then
find GCF to make its similar to the
other fraction, make sure the
denominator doesnt become zero
1.8 Absolute value inequalities
How to deal with absolute value
inequalities
Three cases
Special exceptions (if an absolute
value is less than a negative
integer then it is false)

Pre-cal Exam#2(graphs and functions)

Things to know
Understand all concepts as well (back
of the book chapter)
2.1 Rectangular coordinates and
graphs
Distance formula v.2(example 2)
Midpoint formula(example 5)
How to find coordinates of
remaining endpoint after being
given its midpoint and one of the
its endpoints

 Be able to give a table of solutions

for an equation, and be able to
graph it.
Become familiar with the Cartesian
graph and certain basic graphs like
parabola, line etc.
2.2 Circle
know center-radius form of the
equation of a circle.
Know how to derive the centerradius form from the general form
of a circle
Know that radius is = to distance/2
2.3 Functions
Understand what a function is
understand how to identify
functions or relations, and their range
and domain
Understand how simplify functions

 Understand how to tell when a

graphed function is increasing,
decreasing, or staying constant.
2.4 Linear Functions
Understand what a linear function
is, and its range and domain
Know the equation of a line, and
where the slope is in that equation
Know how to graph a linear
function(horizontal,vertical, and
using intercepts)
Know how to find a slope from two
given points
Know how to find a slope from an
equation, and then graph it
Know how to graph a line using a
point and a slope(if you want)
Know how to find and interpret the
average rate of change(from
looking at a graph)

2.5 Equations and Linear Models

Understand Point-slope form
Understand standard form
Know how to write an equation in
point slope form given a point and
a slope
Know how to write an equation of a
line given two points
Know slope intercept
form(slope/yintercept)
Know how to translate from form to
form
Know what the variables are in
each form
2.6 Inequalities
Know graphs of basic functions
Know discontinuity and continuity
F(x)=x is a line(identity Function), F(x)
= xsquared is a parabola(squaring

function), F(x) = xcubed is a a cubing

function, F(x) = square root of x is a
square root function, F(x)= cube root
of x is a cube root function, F(x)= lxl is
an absolute value function
Know the vertex
Know how to determine the
intervals of the domain and range
over a continuous function
Know how to input variables into a
piecewise function, and know how
to graph it.
Know how to make rules for piece
wise functions
2.7 Graphing Techniques
Know when a graph shrinks or
stretches
Know when a graph is reflected

 Know how to see if a function is

even, odd, or neither
Know how to translate a graph
vertically and horizontally
2.8 Function operation and
composition
Know how to use operations on
functions and determine their
domains
Know how to find the difference
quotient
Know how to evaluate composite
functions
Know how to determine composite
functions and their domains.
3.1 Quadratic Functions and Models
Know what a quadratic function is
Know how to graph quadratic
functions

 Know how to derive functions

from a vertex and a intercept on
the graph
Know how to organize functions
from written questions
3.2 Synthetic Division
Know how to do synthetic division
Know the remainder theorem
Know how to decide if a given
number is a zero of a polynomial
function
3.3 Zeroes of Polynomial Functions