MATH 255A, Review for Midterm Exam 1

Test topics

1. Functions, domains, ranges, composite functions (1.3)
2. Linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational functions. Graphs. Transformations of graphs (1.1,1.4,1.5)
3. Exponential and logarithmic functions. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations. Graphs. (2.1,2.2)
4. Exponential growth and decay (word problems) (2.3)
5. Trigonometric functions. Graphs. (2.4)

Formulas/facts you need to know for the test

• Definitions: domain, range, intercepts, asymptotes
• Graphs of elementary functions (linear, quadratic, rational, power, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric)
• Properties of the exponential/logarithmic functions
• Radian measure. Values of trigonometric functions for typical angles (0, pi/6, pi/4, pi/3, pi/2, etc.)
• Formula for the exponential growth/decay

Preparation for the test

Problems on the test will not be taken from the homework/practice problems but they will be generally similar. The best way to prepare is to study examples in the lectures and in the book and to solve practice problems (think about how to solve it, rather than look in the answer). To get the idea of the time, you may try to solve these in one hour:

1.R: 54 (and find domains of both functions); 1.5: 33, 1.4: 31, 2.3: 25, 2.4: 79 e,f; 2.R: 45, 91.

General rules

Tests are closed books/notes. Simple scientific calculator (example: TI-30XII) is allowed on the test. Graphing calculators (example: TI-83, 84, 89) cannot be used. Calulator is not required to answer the questions. You should justify all answers properly. Partial credit will be given depending on how well you explain your solutions. Correct answers without explanations will receive zero points.