Algebra 2 Semester 2 Final Study Guide Notes

Polynomials (Units 4 and 5)

• What is a polynomial?
  • Expression containing only numbers, variables, and positive whole number exponents.
• Key features of polynomial graphs:
  • Degree
  • Leading coefficient
  • Y-intercept
  • X-intercept(s)
• Operations with polynomials:
  • Addition and subtraction: Combine like terms.
  • Multiplication: Distribute and then combine like terms.
  • Division: Long division and synthetic division.
• Solutions of systems of equations:
  • X-coordinates of where the graphs intersect.
• Factoring polynomials:
  • Using a factor to divide polynomials through synthetic division.

Inverses and Radicals (Unit 6)

• Simplifying radicals
• Finding inverses of functions:
  • Switch x and y in the equation and then solve for y.
• Solving radical equations:
  • Isolate the radical, undo the radical with the same degree exponent.

Exponential Functions (Unit 7)

• Exponential growth vs. decay:
  • Base of exponent > 1: Exponential growth.
  • Base of exponent < 1: Exponential decay.
• Compound interest formula
• Solving exponential equations by rewriting bases
• Continuously compounding interest formula

Logarithmic Functions (Unit 8)

• Using log properties to rewrite logarithmic expressions as a single logarithm
• Solving logarithmic equations using the change of base formula
• Modeling with logarithmic functions