94 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.

com)

Functions
1. Function Notation

To begin with, you must know and understand that !(#) = &; this is stated “f OF x equals y”, not “f times x equals
y”. For example:

Evaluate the Given Numbers:

!(#) = 3# * − 8

1. !(1) = 2. !(−3) = 3. !(+) =

4. !(+ + 1) = 5. !{√+| = 6. !(# + ℎ) =

4 12

The function g is defined by g(x) = x2 + 9. For which value of x is

!(#) = 25?

A) 4

B) 5

C) 9

D) 13

The graph of y = f(x) is shown, where the function f is defined by

f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d and a, b, c, and d are constants. For how
8 many values of x does f(x) = 0?
The function f is defined by ((#) = (−8)(2)' + 22. What is the y- A) One
intercept of the graph of , = ((#) in the xy-plane?
B) Two
A) (0, 14)
C) Three
B) (0, 2)
D) Four
C) (0, 22)

D) (0, -8)
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 95

12 22

The function p is defined by p(n) = 7n3. What is the value of n Function f is defined by ((#) = −2 ' + 3, where a and b are
when p(n) is equal to 56? constants. In the xy-plane, the graph of , = ((#)– 15 has a
%% 8&
y-intercept at A0, − B. The product of a and b is . What is the
A) 2 ) )
value of a?
.
B)
$

C) 7

D) 8

16

The function f(w) = 6w2 gives the area of a rectangle, in square feet
(ft2), if its width is w ft and its length is 6 times its width. Which
of the following is the best interpretation of ((14) = 1,176?

A) If the width of the rectangle is 14 ft, then the area of the

rectangle is 1,176 ft2 .

B) If the width of the rectangle is 14 ft, then the length of the

rectangle is 1,176 ft.

C) If the width of the rectangle is 1,176 ft, then the length of the
rectangle is 14 ft.

D) If the width of the rectangle is 1,176 ft, then the area of the
rectangle is 14 ft2.

2. Translations of Functions

When graphing functions, you need to be aware of two things: The parent graph of each function and their
translation rules. First the parent graphs:

& = |#| & = #* & = #%

! "
& = 2# ; 2 > 1 & = 2# ; 0 < 2 < 1 & = √# & = √#
 96 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

A parent graph is the most basic form of a particular function. Once you start adding operations to these parent
functions, they will become TRANSLATIONS of their parent graphs. Here are the translation rules:

−!(#): Flipped the graph over the x-axis

!(−#): Flips the graph over the y-axis
!(# ± ℎ): +ℎ moves the graph to the LEFT h. −ℎ moves the graph to the RIGHT h
!(#) ± :: +: moves the graph UP k. −: moves the graph DOWN k

9 18

The function f is defined by f(x) = 7x3. In the xy-plane, the graph ((#) = 9(4)'
of y = g(x) is the result of shifting the graph of y = f(x) down 2
units. Which equation defines function g? The function f is defined by the given equation. If
!(#) = ((# + 2), which of the following equations defines the
A) !(#) = 7# $ function g?
!
B) !(#) = 7# " A) !(#) = 18(4)'

C) !(#) = 7# $ + 2 B) !(#) = 144(4)'

D) !(#) = 7# $ − 2 C) !(#) = 18(8)'

D) !(#) = 81(16)'

14

The function f is defined by f(x) = (x – 6)(x – 2)(x + 6). In the xy-

plane, the graph of y = g(x) is the result of translating the graph of
y = f(x) up 4 units. What is the value of !(0)?
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 97

Quadratic Functions
When working with quadratic functions, you need to be aware of multiple forms and formulas. Here are the two
ways that a quadratic function can be written:

Standard Form Vertex Form

& = 2# * + ;# + < & = 2(# − ℎ)* + :

a, b, and c are constants If 2 > 0, parabola opens up and the

vertex is the minimum
If 2 > 0, parabola opens up and the
vertex is the minimum If 2 < 0, parabola opens down and
the vertex is the maximum
If 2 < 0, parabola opens down and
The vertex is the maximum Vertex: (h,k)

c = The y-intercept Symmetry

x–intercepts are equidistant from the vertex
)" )"
Vertex: ( *! , ! f *! g)

In order to go from standard form to vertex form, you will need to be able to complete the square (we first
reviewed this in the circle section in Geometry).

Write the following quadratic functions in vertex form:

1. & = # * − 2# + 7 2. !(#) = # * − 6# + 1 3. & = 2# * − 8# + 20

5 13

((#) = 4# # − 50# + 126

The given equation defines the function f. For what value of x

does f(x) reach its minimum?

For the quadratic function f, the table shows three values of x and
their corresponding values of f(x). Which equation defines f?

A) ((#) = 3# # + 3# + 14

B) ((#) = 5# # + # + 14

C) ((#) = 9# # − # + 14

D) ((#) = # # + 5# + 14
 98 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

16 13

!(#) = # # + 55 When the quadratic function f is graphed in the xy-plane, where

, = ((#), its vertex is (-3,6). One of the x-intercepts of this graph
!)
What is the minimum value of the given function? is (− , 0). What is the other x-intercept of the graph?
"

A) 0 #%
A) (− , 0)
"
B) 55
)
B) (− , 0)
"
C) 110
&
C) ( , 0)
D) 3,025 "

!)
D) ( , 0)
"

18 21

((#) = (# − 10)(# + 13) ((#) = 4# # + 64# + 262

The function f is defined by the given equation. For what value of The function g is defined by !(#) = ((# + 5). For what value of
x does f(x) reach its minimum? x does g(x) reach its minimum?
A) -130 A) -13
B) -13 B) -8
#$
C) − C) -5
#

D) −
$ D) -3
#

Solutions to Quadratics: Regardless of what you call it, a solution to a quadratic represents the x-intercept, or zero
of the function (the x-value when y = 0).
1. Zeroes
2. x-intercepts
3. Roots
4. Factors
a. A factor may be written in the form # − 2 as opposed to # = 2.

Steps to Solve a Quadrative Function

Move all terms to Set each factor = 0 Can't Factor? Use
FACTOR!!!
one side and set = 0 and solve for "x" Quadratic Formula

14 15

; # + 10; − 24 = 0 −4# # − 7# = −36

What is one of the solutions to the given equation? What is the positive solution to the given equation?
)
A)
"

%
B)
"

C) 4

D) 7
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 99

12 22

#(# + 1) − 56 = 4#(# − 7) # − 29 = (# − 2)(# − 29)

What is the sum of the solutions to the given equation? Which of the following are solutions to the given equation, where
a is a constant and a > 30?

I. a
II. a + 1
III. 29

A) I and II only

B) I and III only

C) II and III only

D) I, II and III

Systems of Equations: The SAT will ask you to solve systems of equations involving quadratic functions. When
solving, use the substitution method. Once you substitute, use the same steps to solve the quadratic as listed above.

21 21

, = −1.5 In the xy-plane, the graph of the equation , = −# # + 9# − 100

, = # # + 8# + 2 intersects the line y = c at exactly one point. What is the value of
c?
In the given system of equations, a is a positive constant. The
".!
system has exactly one distinct real solution. What is the value of A) -
"
a?
B) -100
$!%
C) -
"

%
D) -
#

Factoring: Know the following special factors.

• # * − & * = (# + &)(# − &)
• (# + &)* = # * + 2#& + & *
• (# − &)* = # * − 2#& + & *
• Also, don’t forget to pull out GCF’s when applicable.

• C' + DC + E
o “Product-Sum” method. Find factors of “c” that add or subtract to equal “b”. Put in the form
(# ± #)(# ± #)
• GC' + DC + E (G > H)
o “Guess and Check” method
 100 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

Factor each expression:

1. # * + 14# + 24 2. 5# * − 30# + 40

3. 6# * + 37# + 6 4. −6# * − 25# − 25

8 20

Which expression is equivalent to 9# # + 5#? One of the factors of 2# $ + 42# # + 208# => # + 3, where b is a
positive constant. What is the smallest possible value of b?
A) 9# # + 5#

B) 5#(9# + 1)

C) 9#(# + 5)

D) # # (9# + 5)

20
2
The expression 4# # + 3# − 45, where b is a constant, can be
Which expression is equivalent to # # + 3# − 40? rewritten as (ℎ# + @)(# + A), where h, k, and j are integer
constants. Which of the following must be an integer?
A) (# − 4)(# + 10)
7
A)
>
B) (# − 5)(# + 8)
7
C) (# − 8)(# + 5) B)
5

"&
D) (# − 10)(# + 4) C)
>

"&
D)
5
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 101

)"±X" ! )+!N
Quadratic Formula: # =
*!
• If the answers to a quadratic equation contain a square root, you will need to use the quadratic formula to
solve.

20

# # − 2# − 9 = 0

One solution to the given equation can be written as 1 + √@, where

k is a constant. What is the value of k?

A) 8

B) 10

C) 20

D) 40

*** THE DISCRIMINANT of a Quadratic Equation***

D' − KGE

-.±0%' -&'(
Comes From: ! = −
'5
• Since the discriminant comes from the radical in the Quadratic Formula, it provides the
following:

Value of d # of Roots Types of Roots

L>0

L=0

L<0

15 18

64# # + 3# + 25 = 0 5# # + 10# + 16 = 0

In the given equation, b is a constant. For which of the following How many distinct real solutions does the given equation have?
values of b will the equation have more than one real solution?
A) Exactly one
A) -91
B) Exactly two
B) -80
C) Infinitely many
C) 5
D) Zero
D) 40
 102 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

21 22

−9# # + 30# + C = 0 # # − 34# + C = 0

In the given equation, c is a constant. The equation has exactly In the given equation, c is a constant. The equation has no real
one solution. What is the value of c? solutions if c > n. What is the least possible value of n?

A) 3

B) 0

C) -25

D) -53

Combining Polynomials:
• Adding: Adding Polynomials is easy enough. Look for like terms and combine them using the
appropriate operation.
• Subtracting: This is where the issues arise. When subtracting polynomials, be sure to distribute the
negative throughout the second polynomial.

11 12

Which expression is equivalent to (7# $ + 7#) − (6# $ − 3#)? (5# $ − 3) − (−4# $ + 8)

A) # $ + 10# The given expression is equivalent to bx3 – 11, where b is a

constant. What is the value of b?
B) −13# $ + 10#

C) −13# $ + 4#

D) # $ + 4#
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 103

Multiplicities
• Take the following functions and graph them using a graphing device. Sketch the function on the graph
provided and write down how the power affected the graph at the zeros.

1. !(#) = (# − 1)* 2. !(#) = (# − 1)U 3. !(#) = (# − 1)*R

Behavior at the zero: Behavior at the zero: Behavior at the zero:

4. !(#) = (# − 1) 5. !(#) = (# − 1)% 6. !(#) = (# − 1)'&

Behavior at the zero: Behavior at the zero: Behavior at the zero:

• The multiplicity of a zero is equal to the number of times its corresponding linear factor occurs.

o If the multiplicity if ODD, then the graph ___________________ at the zero.

o If the multiplicity is EVEN, then the graph __________________ at the zero.

 104 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

18 18

Which of the following could be the equation of the graph shown

in the xy-plane?
Which of the following could be the equation of the graph shown
! in the xy-plane?
A) , = − #(# − 4)(# + 5)
!+
A) , = (# − 3)(# − 1)(# + 2)
!
B) , = − #(# − 4)(# + 5)2
!+
B) , = (# + 3)(# + 1)(# − 2)
!
C) , = − #(# − 5)(# + 4)
!+ C) , = (# + 3)(# + 1)$ (# − 2)#
!
D) , = − #(# − 5)# (# + 4) D) , = (# − 3)(# − 1)$ (# + 2)#
!+

16

(# − 1)# = −4

How many distinct real solutions does the given equation have?

A) Exactly one

B) Exactly two

C) Infinitely many

D) Zero
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 105

Applications

• Applications can come in a variety of ways, but the most common type is projectile motion
• Projectile motion problems either use the following formulas:
o ℎ(+) = −16+ * + MR + + :
§ −16 = The force of Gravity acting upon the object (vertical component of acceleration)
§ MR = The initial velocity of the object (vertical component of velocity)
§ : = The initial height (y-int) of the object
o ℎ(+) = −4.9+ * + MR + + :
§ −4.9 = The force of Gravity acting upon the object (vertical component of acceleration)
§ MR = The initial velocity of the object (vertical component of velocity)
§ : = The initial height (y-int) of the object

***If the vertical component of acceleration changes (such as if you are dealing with projectile motion on
other celestial bodies or in water) then the leading coefficient will reflect that change***

12 19

An object is kicked from a platform. The equation
ℎ = −4.9F # + 7F + 9 represents this situation, where h is the
height of the object above the ground, in meters, t seconds after it
is kicked. Which number represents the height, in meters, from
which the object was kicked?
A) 0
B) 4.9
C) 7
D) 9
17
A rectangle has a length of x units and a width of (x – 15) units. If
the rectangle has an area of 76 square units, what is the value of x?
!
The function ((#) = (# − 7)# + 3 gives a metal ball’s height
%
above the ground f(x), in inches, x seconds after it started moving
on a track where 0 ≤ # ≤ 10. Which of the following is the best
interpretation of the vertex of the graph of , = ((#) in the xy-
plane?
A) The metal ball’s minimum height was 3 inches above the
ground.
B) The metal ball’s minimum height was 7 inches above the
ground.
C) The metal ball’s height was 3 inches above the ground when it
started moving.
D) The metal ball’s height was 7 inches above the ground when it
started moving.

A) 4

B) 19

C) 23

D) 76
 106 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

Exponential Functions
Exponential functions come from the concept of geometric sequences, where the operation required to get from one
term to the next is to multiply or divide the output. For examples:

Linear Function Exponential Function

(Arithmetic Sequence of Numbers) (Geometric Sequence of Numbers)

x y x y
0 -1 0 2/3
1 2 1 2
2 5 2 6
3 8 3 18
4 11 4 54
Exponential __________

x y x y
0 5 0 6
1 2 1 2
2 -1 2 2Ü
3
3 -4 3 2Ü
4 -7 9
4 2Ü
27
Exponential __________

Parent Graph: !(#) = 2; #

a = “initial” or “starting” point (y-intercept)

b = rate of change
P! ; > 1, Q#RSTQT+U2V WXSY+ℎ
P! 0 < ; < 1, Q#RSTQT+U2V LQ<2&

Many SAT questions that relate to exponential functions are concept problems. Look for terms such as
“increasing/decreasing by x% per year” or phrases such as “decay”, or obviously, the word “exponential” in the
question or answer choices.

Important Note: Many exponential questions will give you rates in terms of percentages. When using percentages,
you must convert them into decimal form to use in the exponential equation. The SAT will typically use decaying
models to trick you. For example, if an object decays by 17% per year, your rate will be 1 − .17 = .83.

Exponents Rules: When not dealing with exponential functions, you will be asked to apply the exponent rules.
Remember these!

H/ ∙ H0 = H/40 H/ (H/ )0 = H/∙0 J J H4 = J

= H/00 H0/ = = H/
H0 H/ H0/
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 107

Exponential Graphs
!(#) = ; # ; ; > 1 !(#) = ; # ; 0 < ; < 1

Called an exponential growth function Called an exponential decay function

5 11

Which expression is equivalent to (m" L " z 0! )(mq& ; $ ), where m, q For the function f, f(0) = 86, and for each increase in x by 1, the
and z are positive? value of f(x) decreases by 80%. What is the value of f(2)?

A) O" L #+ ; 0$

B) O& L % ; #

C) O8 L . ; 0!

D O#+ L!# ; 0#

19
5
For x > 0, the function f is defined as follows:
The function f is defined by ((#) = 270(0.1)' . What is the value
of f(0)?
((#) PLQ2R> 201% T( #
A) 0
Which of the following could describe this function?
B) 1
A) Decreasing exponential
C) 27
B) Decreasing linear
D) 270
C) Increasing exponential

D) Increasing linear

18

Two variables, x and y, are related such that for each increase of 1
in the value of x, the value of y increases by a factor of 4. When
# = 0, y = 200. Which equation represents this relationship?

A) , = 4(#)#++

B) , = 4(200)'

C) , = 200(#)"

D) , = 200(4)'
 108 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

16 10

The function ((#) = 206(1.034)' models the value, in dollars, of 1 '

a certain bank account by the end of each year from 1957 through !(#) = 11 Ü á
12
1972, where x is the number of years after 1957. Which of the
following is the best interpretation of “f(5) is approximately equal If given the function g is graphed in the xy-plane, where y = g(x),
to 243” in this context? what is the y-intercept of the graph?

A) The value of the bank account is estimated to be approximately A) (0,11)

5 dollars greater in 1962 than in 1957.
B) (0,132)
B) The value of the bank account is estimated to be approximately
243 dollars in 1962. C) (0,1)

C) The value, in dollars, of the bank account is estimated to be D) (0,12)

approximately 5 times greater in 1962 than in 1957.

D) The value of the bank account is estimated to increase by

approximately 243 dollars every 5 years between 1957 and
1962.

17
#
((#) = 5,470(0.64)$"

The function f gives the value, in dollars, of a certain piece of

equipment after x months of use. If the value of the equipment
decreases each year by p% of its value the preceding year, what is
the value of p?

A) 4

B) 5

C) 36

D) 64
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 109

Rational & Radical Functions

A Rational Expression is a ratio of two polynomial expressions.

R(#)
X(#) =
\(#)

How to Simplify a Rational Expression

Simplify monomials Eliminate common
Factor!
using the quotient rule factors

8 15

#" " .C(C0))0$(C0))

The expression
8C4"#
is equivalent to
C4D
, where b is a constant and Which expression is equivalent to , where # > 7?
#C0!"
C0)
# > 0. What is the value of b? A)
&

A) 7 .C0$
B)
#
B) 10
.C" 0$C0!"
C)
#C0!"
C) 24
.' " 0$'0))
D) 252 D)
#C0!"

Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions

Rewrite as one fraction.
Rewrite each fraction with a Simplify the remaining
Combine like terms in the
common denominator expression
numerator

8 21

" ! -4!# -('0.)

Which expression is equivalent to − ? Which expression is equivalent to + ?
"'0& '4! '0. ' " -0.'-

! CG4G4"
A) A)
(C4!)("'0&) ' ! -0!8' " -48"'-

$ '-4-4"
B) B)
$C08 ' " -0.'-4'0.

!
C) − '- " 4!$'-0.-
(C4!)("C0&) C)
' " -0.'-

%
D) '- " 4!$'-0.-
(C4!)("C0&) D)
' ! -0!8' " -48"'-
 110 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com)

Translating Rational Expression

Parent Function Graph

21

The rational function f is defined by an equation in the form of

2
((#) = , where a and b are constants. The partial graph of
C4D
, = ((#) is shown. If !(#) = ((# + 4), which equation could
define function g?
8
A) !(#) =
C

8
B) !(#) =
C4"

8
C) !(#) =
C4.

8(C 4 ")
D) !(#) =
C4"

JUST IN CASE – Multiplying Rational Expressions

Simplify. Cancel out like factors for
Factor if possible
binomials. Use quotient rule on monomials

When dividing, remember to _____________ _________________ _________________.

# $
# ! 4*#)% %#4'* #)+ # ! )%#)+ )
$ #
1) ⋅ 2) ÷ 3) % %
# ! 4U#4'5 #)' # ! )+ # ! 4(#45 )
#! $!
 Master Scholars Test Prep, LLC (www.masterscholars.com) 111

Radical Functions

Definition of a Radical:
Exponential Form Meaning Radical Form
6 The nth root of a, raised to the mth power Y
$7 √$6

Solving Radical Equations:

Raise each side to the
Isolate the radical on one Solve for the remaining Check for extraneous
power of the index to
side of the equation equation solutions
eliminate the radical

16 21

% ( )
Which expression is equivalent to V# % , % , where x and y are The expression 6√3& Z "& ∙ . √2. # is equivalent to 2# 7 , where a
positive? and b are positive constants and # > 1. What is the value of a +
b?
%
A) (#,)&
&
B) (#,)%

C) (#,)!8

D) (#,)8$

19
$$ 21
Which expression is equivalent to 2 $" , where 2 > 0?
$" ## C#
A) √2!$# = + 39
√# # − C # √# # − C #
$''
B) √2!$#
In the given equation, c is a positive constant. Which of the
$"$ following is one of the solutions to the given equation?
C) √2!$#
$$
A) -c
D) √2!$#
B) −C # − 39#

20 C) −√39# − c #

D) −√C # + 39#
V(x − 2)# = √3x + 34

What is the smallest solution to the given equat6ion?

JUST IN CASE: Rationalizing the Denominator

# ! √&
1) 2) 3)
√# !4√# &4√#