Chapter 2 Pre-Calc Vocab v2

Polynomial function

A math equation made of terms added together with positive whole-number exponents (like x^2 or x^3).

Linear function

An equation with an x^1 power whose graph makes a straight line (y = mx + b).

Quadratic function

An equation with an x^2 power whose graph makes a U-shaped curve called a parabola.

Continuous

A line on a graph with no breaks, holes, or gaps—drawn in one motion without lifting your pencil.

Intermediate Value Theorem

If a graph is continuous between two points, it must touch every height in between at least once.

Synthetic division

A quick shortcut for dividing polynomials using just their coefficients instead of long division.

Imaginary number

A number based on the square root of a negative value, written with i (where i = sqrt(-1)).

Complex conjugates

Pairs of complex numbers like (a + bi) and (a - bi) that cancel out imaginary parts when multiplied to leave a real number.

Rational function

A fraction made by dividing one polynomial by another, where the bottom part cannot equal zero.

Slant asymptote

A diagonal guideline that a rational function's graph gets closer and closer to at the far edges.