Math 3 Important Topics & Tips

Piecewise Functions
Solving Absolute Value Inequalities (Less th”AND)
Evaluate:
3f(2) – 4f(-3)

=3(4) – 4(-1)
= 12 + 4
= 16

Function Behavior
Domain: x-values Range: y –values Solving Absolute Value Equations
x-intercepts/roots/solutions: where graph crosses x axis (let y = 0)
y-intercepts: where graph crosses y axis (let x = 0)
End Behavior: As x → ∞, f(x) → ∞ or −∞
As x → − ∞, f(x) → ∞ or −∞
Increasing/Decreasing: Always pertain to x-values. (Travel left to right
on across the graph.)
Even/Odd/Neither: Even symmetric across y-axis. Odd symmetric
across the origin (x & y axis).

Solving Absolute Value Inequalities (Great “OR” than)

 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips

Solving Square Root Equations Formulas for Exponential Word Problems

Compound Interest (number of times per year):

(P = initial amount invested, r = rate, n = number of times per year, t =

time)

Compound continuously: A= Pert (P = initial amount invested, r =

rate, year, t = time)

Inverses - Switch x & y values then solve for y.

Synthetic Division – Don’t forget to look for place holders.
Logarithm Properties

“ln” undoes “e”

 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips

Sum of Cubes Factoring: a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 – ab + b2)

Difference of Cubes Factoring: a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a2 + ab +

b2 )
 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips

Rational Functions Adding/Subtracting - Factor the denominators only and

find a common denominator.
A rational function is undefined where the bottom is zero.
Solving – Factor the denominators only and find a common
Areas of Discontinuity denominator. Multiply everything by the common
**Vertical Asymptote: the number(s) that x values are approaching denominator.
but never crossing
To Calculate: set denominator = 0 and solve for x
Circles
leave equation in the form of x = #

**Horizontal Asymptote: the number(s) that y values are Standard form for an equation of a circle:
approaching but never reach (x –h)2 + (y – k)2 = r2 Center (h, k) & r = radius
To Calculate: Identify highest degree of numerator and
%
denominator then use the rules below: Area of a Sector: A = πr2
&'(
Case 1: If Numerator Degree = Denominator Degree, then
y = leading coeffient of the numerator ÷ leading coeffient of %
the denominator Arc Length: L= πd
&'(

Case 2: If Numerator Degree > Denominator Degree, then NO

Opposite Angles of a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle are
horizontal asymptote. supplementary.
Case 3: If Numerator Degree < Denominator Degree, then y = 0 Tangents are perpendicular to the radius drawn to the point of
(the x-axis)
tangency.
**Holes: a point on a graph that is not included
To Calculate: Factor the numerator and denominator; Any
factors that cancel set equal to zero and solve for x.

Simplifying Rational Functions – Factor everything and cancel like

factors that appear on the top and bottom.

Multiplying/Dividing - Factor everything and cancel like factors that

appear on the top and bottom. Don’t forget to Keep-Change-Flip when
dividing.
 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips

Tangents drawn to the same exterior point are congruent.

AB = AC

Special Segments in Circles

AE • EC = BE • ED

(whole)(outside) = (whole)(outside)
AC • AB = AD • AE
Old Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a2 + b2 = c2

(tangent)2 = (whole)(outside)
(WX)2 = WY • WZ
 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips

Trigonometry y = A sin B(x – C) + D

SOH-CAH-TOA

Sin = opp/hyp Cos = adj/hyp Tan = opp/adj

Cos = x values Sin = y values Tan = y/x

A = amplitude (Height of curve from midline. Always positive)

Period = 1 complete cycle

Phase shift: graph is shifted left or right based on “C”

Vertical shift: graph is shifted up or down based on “D”

Midline: y = D

Triangle Centers

Median – connects vertex to midpoint of opposite side (intersection-

centroid)
Altitude – perpendicular segment from vertex to opposite side
(intersection-orthocenter)
Perpendicular bisectors – perpendicular segments where the right
angle is formed at the midpoints of the sides of the triangle
(intersection – circumcenter)

Angle Bisectors – segments that bisect angles of a triangle

(intersection – incenter)
 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips
Properties of Quadrilaterals
 Math 3 Important Topics & Tips
Statistics

Simulation - is a way to model random events, such that simulated

Population – a group that has something in common
outcomes closely match real-world outcomes. By observing simulated
(ex: freshmen at high school, employees at Burger King.)
outcomes, researchers gain insight on the real world.
Populations are often people but they can refer to things
(ex: bolts produced at a particular factory on Friday night)
Experiment – where we deliberately impose some treatment on (or do
something to individuals in order to observe their response
Sample - a smaller group of a population selected to represent the
population. In order for a sample to be a good representation of the
Survey - In a research of human subjects. A questionnaire is formed to
population, the sample needs to be random. A random sample means
obtain data.
every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Observation – a systematic data collection approach. Researchers use
Different types of sampling:
all of their senses to examine people in natural settings or naturally
Simple Random Sample – choosing n elements of a population that
occurring situations. Observation of a field setting involves:
each have an equal chance of being selected.
prolonged engagement in a setting or social situation.
Systematic Random Sampling – elements of the population are put
into a list and every nth element is chosen. For example, using every
10th student in an alphabetical list of students enrolled at a high school.

Stratified Random Sample – When sub populations vary considerably,

members of the population are grouped into subgroups before
sampling and samples are taken from each subgroup.

Cluster/Multistage Sample – In a cluster sampling, a total of the

population of interest is divided into “clusters”, (ex: a total population
grouped into geographic regions) and from each cluster of interest,
individual subjects are selected randomly. Multistage – divide the first
stage of clusters further into second stage clusters (ex: first “cluster” of
a total population by geographic region, and next dividing each
regional cluster by neighborhood).

Convenience Sample – selecting sample elements from volunteers or

other convenient methods.