Algebra & Functions
Algebra & Functions – Expanded Notes
1. Simplifying Expressions:
- Combine like terms (same variable and power):
Example: 3x + 5x - 2 = 8x - 2
- Expand brackets using distributive law:
Example: 2(x + 3) = 2x + 6
2. Solving Linear Equations:
- Goal: isolate the variable (usually x)
Example: 3x - 5 = 10 → 3x = 15 → x = 5
- Involving brackets:
Example: 2(x + 1) = x + 4 → 2x + 2 = x + 4 → x = 2
3. Quadratic Equations:
- Standard form: ax² + bx + c = 0
- Solving methods:
a. Factorisation: x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)
b. Completing the square: x² + 6x + 5 = (x + 3)² - 4
c. Quadratic formula:
x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a
4. Inequalities:
- Solve like equations; flip sign when multiplying/dividing by a negative.
Example: -2x > 6 → x < -3
5. Algebraic Fractions:
- Simplify by factorising numerator/denominator.
Example: (x² - 9)/(x² - x - 6) = (x+3)(x-3)/(x-3)(x+2) = (x+3)/(x+2)
6. Functions:
- A function maps inputs (x) to outputs (f(x)).
Example: f(x) = x² + 2 → f(3) = 11
- Composite function: f(g(x)), substitute g(x) into f.
- Inverse function: undoes the effect of the function.
7. Graphs of Functions:
- Linear: y = mx + c → straight line
- Quadratic: y = ax² + bx + c → parabola
- Cubic: y = x³ → s-shaped curve
- Reciprocal: y = 1/x → hyperbola
- Sketching involves finding intercepts, turning points, symmetry.
8. Transformations of Graphs:
- f(x) + a: shift up
- f(x - a): shift right
- -f(x): reflect in x-axis
- f(-x): reflect in y-axis
- af(x): stretch vertically
- f(ax): stretch horizontally
9. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions:
- Exponential: y = a^x, growth/decay
- Laws: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n), (a^m)^n = a^(mn)
- Logarithms: inverse of exponentials
Example: log■(x) = y → a^y = x
- Laws of logs:
log(ab) = log(a) + log(b)
log(a/b) = log(a) - log(b)
log(a^n) = n log(a)
