Chapter 2 Pre-Calc Vocab

Imaginary number

A number expressed in terms of the square root of a negative number, specifically involving i where i = sqrt(-1).

Complex conjugates

Pairs of complex numbers of the form a + bi and a - bi whose product is always a real number.

Rational function

A function that can be written as the quotient of two polynomial functions, f(x) = N(x) / D(x) where D(x) != 0.

Slant asymptote

A diagonal line that a rational function's graph approaches as x goes to positive or negative infinity, occurring when the degree of the numerator is exactly 1 greater than the degree of the denominator.