Asymptote
An imaginary line that the curve of an exponential function gets closer and closer to without ever actually hitting ('cause it's not nice to hit).
Cartesian Coordinate System
The flat grid we use to plot out functions. It has an
x-axis, a
y-axis, and a very big name.
Domain
All the values
x can take in a function. It's like
x is a little king, and the domain is, well, its domain.
Empty Set
A set containing no elements. Move along folks; nothing to see here.
Exponential Function
A function of the form
y =
abx +
c. Their graphs form a nice, smooth curve.
Function
A relation between sets of input and output where each input is related to one and only one output. The
lobster model of mathematics.
Graph
A diagram representing data or relationship(s) between variables.
Inequality
A mathematical statement using the symbols <, >, ≤, ≥.
Intercept
The point where the graph of a function crosses the
x-axis or
y-axis.
Linear Function
A two-variable equation that, when graphed on the coordinate plane, forms a straight line. It always sticks to the straight and narrow path.
Ordered Pair
Two numbers written in a certain order; (
a,
b) is different from (
b,
a).
Quadratic Function
A relation where the input (
x) is related to the output (
f(
x)) by a quadratic equation:
f(
x) =
ax2 +
bx +
c.
Range
This is the set of all possible outputs of a function. It's generally the possible
y-values. It has very little to do with the Lone Ranger or free range chickens.
Relation
A set of ordered pairs. Like an infinite number of couples walking down an aisle at a wedding.
Set
A collection of things, put inside curly braces. If you need your teeth straightened, your dentist will create a set of your teeth.
Slope
The steepness of a line, calculated as rise over run; think skiing (the bunny slope is less steep than the triple black diamond).
Vertex
The single maximum or minimum value of a parabola.
Vertical Line Test
Can a vertical line pass through a graph twice? If yes, it's not a function. C'mon, this isn't a hard test to pass.