1.

Basic Concepts
 Variables: Symbols (often letters like x,y,zx, y, zx,y,z) that
represent unknown values.
 Constants: Fixed values (e.g., numbers like 3, -5, 1.2).
 Expressions: Combinations of variables and constants using
operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
o Example: 3x+23x + 23x+2
2. Equations
 Definition: A mathematical statement that asserts the equality of
two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.
o Example: 2x+3=72x + 3 = 72x+3=7
3. Solving Equations
 Linear Equations: Equations of the first degree (highest exponent
is 1).
o General form: ax+b=0ax + b = 0ax+b=0
o Example: Solve 2x+3=72x + 3 = 72x+3=7.
 Subtract 3: 2x=42x = 42x=4
 Divide by 2: x=2x = 2x=2
 Quadratic Equations: Equations of the second degree (highest
exponent is 2).
o General form: ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0ax2+bx+c=0
o Solve using:
 Factoring: (x−p)(x−q)=0(x - p)(x - q) = 0(x−p)(x−q)=0
implies x=px = px=p or x=qx = qx=q.
 Quadratic Formula: x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \
pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}x=2a−b±b2−4ac
 Example: Solve x2−5x+6=0x^2 - 5x + 6 =
0x2−5x+6=0:

(x−3)=0 ⇒ x=2,3x = 2, 3x=2,3

4. Functions
 Definition: A relation where each input has a single output. Often
expressed as f(x)f(x)f(x).
 Types:
o Linear Function: f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + bf(x)=mx+b (graph
is a straight line)
o Quadratic Function: f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x) = ax^2 + bx +
cf(x)=ax2+bx+c (graph is a parabola)
o Exponential Function: f(x)=a⋅bxf(x) = a \cdot b^xf(x)=a⋅bx
5. Graphing
 Coordinate System: The Cartesian plane consists of the x-axis
(horizontal) and y-axis (vertical).
 Plotting Points: A point is represented as (x,y)(x, y)(x,y).
 Graphing Linear Equations:
o Find the x- and y-intercepts, or plot two points and draw a line
through them.
6. Inequalities
 Definition: A relation showing one expression is greater than or
less than another.
 o Example: 2x+3>72x + 3 > 72x+3>7
 Solving Inequalities: Similar to equations, but remember to
reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a
negative number.
o Example: Solve 2x−4<62x - 4 < 62x−4<6:
 Add 4: 2x<102x < 102x<10
 Divide by 2: x<5x < 5x<5
7. Polynomials
 Definition: Expressions involving sums and products of variables
raised to non-negative integer powers.
o Example: 4x3−2x2+x−54x^3 - 2x^2 + x - 54x3−2x2+x−5
 Operations:
o Addition/Subtraction: Combine like terms (terms with the
same variable and exponent).
o Multiplication: Use the distributive property (FOIL for
binomials).
o Division: Polynomial long division or synthetic division.
8. Factoring
 Common Methods:
o Factoring out the GCF (Greatest Common Factor).
o Difference of Squares: a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)a^2 - b^2 = (a -
b)(a + b)a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)
o Trinomials: For ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + cax2+bx+c, find two
numbers that multiply to acacac and add to bbb.
o Perfect Square Trinomials: a2+2ab+b2=(a+b)2a^2 + 2ab
+ b^2 = (a + b)^2a2+2ab+b2=(a+b)2
9. Exponents and Radicals
 Rules of Exponents:
o am⋅an=am+na^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}am⋅an=am+n
o aman=am−n\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}anam=am−n
o (am)n=amn(a^m)^n = a^{mn}(am)n=amn
o a0=1a^0 = 1a0=1 (for a≠0a \neq 0a=0)
 Radicals: The inverse of exponents.
o Example: x2=∣x∣\sqrt{x^2} = |x|x2=∣x∣
o Operations with radicals: a⋅b=ab\sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \
sqrt{ab}a⋅b=ab
10. Rational Expressions
 Definition: A ratio of two polynomials.
 Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by
finding a common denominator.
 Simplifying: Factor numerator and denominator, then cancel
common factors.
Study Tips
 Practice Regularly: Solve various types of equations and
problems.
 Visualize: Use graphs to understand functions and inequalities.
 Understand Concepts: Focus on understanding the "why" behind
methods, not just the "how."
 Use Resources: Utilize textbooks, online tutorials, and math
problem-solving websites.