AP Calculus Vocabulary

domain

all the possible x-values of a function

range

all the possible y values of a function

relative maximum

A point on the graph of a function where no other nearby points have a greater y-coordinate.

relative minimum

A point on the graph of a function where no other nearby points have a lesser y-coordinate.

absolute maximum

The highest point over the entire domain of a function or relation.

absolute minimum

The lowest point over the entire domain of a function or relation.

concave up

A graph or part of a graph which looks like a right-side up bowl or part of an right-side up bowl (graph opens up)

concave down

A graph or part of a graph which looks like an upside-down bowl or part of an upside-down bowl (graph opens down)

zeros of a function

Values of the variable for which the value of a function is zero. Also called roots of a function.

roots of a function

Values of the variable for which the value of a function is zero. Also called zeros of a function.

points of inflection

Where concavity changes from up or down or vice versa

increasing function

when the y-value increases as the x-value increases

decreasing function

when the y-value decreases as the x-value increases

end behavior

The behavior of the graph as x approaches positive infinity or negative infinity.

interval notation

A notation for describing an interval on a number line. The interval's endpoint(s) are given, and a parenthesis or bracket is used to indicate whether each endpoint is included in the interval.

intervals of concavity

open intervals along the x-axis where a graph is concave up or concave down