SAT Preparation Materials

SAT Math
26.02.2021
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Quadratic, Polynomial, and Exponential functions

Quadratic function is a function of the type 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐,where 𝑎 ≠ 0.
Graph of a quadratic function is called parabola. Parabola has its vertex, axis of
symmetry, zeros (x-intercepts), and y-intercepts.
Please note that if:
1) 𝒂 > 𝟎
The graph opens upwards, and the vertex is the minimum point
2) 𝒂 < 𝟎
The graph opens downward and the vertex is the maximum point
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is the standard form of a quadratic equation and does not
give us any specific information except for the sign of 𝑎, yet we can derive some
useful formulas:
−𝑏
1) Axis of symmetry equation 𝑥 =
2𝑎
−𝑏 −𝑏
2) Vertex coordinates ( ; 𝑓 ( ))
2𝑎 2𝑎

There is also a vertex form of the quadratic equation 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘, where
−𝑏 −𝑏
ℎ= – x-coordinate of the vertex and 𝑘 = 𝑓 ( ) – y-coordinate of the vertex.
2𝑎 2𝑎

3) Zeros
In order to find the x-intercepts, we should rewrite the equation as follows:
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑏)(𝑥 − 𝑐), 𝑥 = 𝑏 and 𝑥 = 𝑐 are zeros of the function. Note that
there may be two, one, or no x-intercepts at all. This is called factored form of a
quadratic equation.

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Example:

Solution:

Polynomial function is a function of the form

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1𝑥 + 𝑎0
Here are the graphs of several polynomial functions:

Just as quadratic functions, all polynomial functions have x- and y-intercepts. As it

was mentioned earlier, quadratic functions have either minimum or maximum.

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However, polynomial functions of higher degrees can have both maximums and
minimums.

Example:

Solution:

Exponential function is a function of the form 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥

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Example:

Solution:

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Practice Set
Question 1:

Question 2:

Question 3:

Question 4:

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Question 5:

Question 6:

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Question 7:

Question 8:

Question 9:

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Question 10:

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Practice Set Solutions

1. Answer: 9/16

2. Answer: 2

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3. Answer: 4/3

4. Answer: 2

5. Answer: -4

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6. Answer: B

7. Answer: I and II

8. Answer: 395

9. Answer: A

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10, Answer: I, II, and III

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