Skip to main content
뒤로

College Algebra Study Guide: Functions, Exponential & Logarithmic Equations, and Systems

스터디 가이드 - 스마트 노트

자료에 맞춘 맞춤형 노트, 핵심 정의, 예시, 맥락을 확장해 제공합니다.

Functions and Their Properties

Definition of a Function

A function is a correspondence between two sets where each input from the domain is assigned exactly one output in the codomain. If is a function, denotes the output for input .

  • Domain: The set of all possible input values ().

  • Range: The set of all possible output values ().

  • One-to-One Function: A function is one-to-one if implies .

Example: is not one-to-one since .

Finding the Inverse of a Function

The inverse function reverses the effect of . To find the inverse:

  • Step 1: Replace with .

  • Step 2: Interchange and .

  • Step 3: Solve for in terms of .

  • Step 4: Replace with .

Example: For , the inverse is .

Composition of Functions

The composition of functions and is written as .

  • To find , substitute into .

Example: If and , then .

Exponential Functions

Definition and Properties

An exponential function has the form , where and .

  • Domain: All real numbers

  • Range: All positive real numbers

  • Graph passes through

  • Growth or decay depends on

Example: is an exponential growth function.

Graphing Exponential Functions

To graph :

  • Make a table of values for and .

  • Plot the points and sketch the curve.

x

-2

0.25

-1

0.5

0

1

1

2

2

4

Example: The graph of increases rapidly for positive .

Logarithmic Functions

Definition and Properties

A logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function. It is defined as if and only if , where , .

  • Domain:

  • Range: All real numbers

  • Graph passes through

Example: is the inverse of .

Properties of Logarithms

  • Product Rule:

  • Quotient Rule:

  • Power Rule:

  • Change of Base Formula:

Solving Logarithmic and Exponential Equations

To solve equations involving logarithms and exponents:

  • Use properties of logarithms to combine or expand expressions.

  • Convert between exponential and logarithmic forms.

  • Apply algebraic techniques to isolate the variable.

Example: Solve :

Population Growth and Exponential Models

Exponential Growth Formula

Population growth can be modeled by the formula:

  • = initial population

  • = growth rate

  • = time

Example: If and , then after years:

Systems of Equations

Solving Systems by Substitution and Elimination

A system of equations consists of two or more equations with the same variables. Solutions are values that satisfy all equations simultaneously.

  • Substitution Method: Solve one equation for one variable and substitute into the other.

  • Elimination Method: Add or subtract equations to eliminate a variable.

Example: Solve the system:

Add equations: Substitute: Solution:

Summary Table: Logarithm Properties

Property

Formula

Product Rule

Quotient Rule

Power Rule

Change of Base

Additional info:

  • Some examples and explanations have been expanded for clarity and completeness.

  • Tables have been recreated to summarize key points and provide sample values for graphing.

Pearson Logo

스터디 프렙