CSEC Functions, Graphs, and Algebra -
Formula Sheet with Explanations
1. Gradient (Slope)
m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)
Used to find the steepness of a straight line between two points.
2. Equation of a Straight Line
y = mx + c
- m is the gradient
- c is the y-intercept (point where the line crosses the y-axis)
Alternative form: y - y₁ = m(x - x₁)
3. Midpoint of a Line Segment
M = ((x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2)
Finds the exact center between two points.
4. Distance Between Two Points
Distance = √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]
Used to calculate length between two points on a plane.
5. Quadratic Function (Standard Form)
y = ax² + bx + c
Graph is a parabola. a ≠ 0.
6. Axis of Symmetry (Quadratic)
x = -b / 2a
This is the x-value of the vertex (turning point) of a parabola.
7. Turning Point (Vertex)
Vertex = (-b / 2a, f(-b / 2a))
Find x from axis of symmetry, then plug into the function to find y.
8. Inverse of a Function
f⁻¹(x) = (x - b) / a (for linear functions)
Switch x and y, solve for y.
9. Composite Function
f(g(x)) = Substitute g(x) into f(x)
10. Simultaneous Equations
No single formula. Use:
- Substitution
- Elimination
- Graphical intersection
11. Gradient from Graph
Gradient ≈ Δy / Δx (estimate from graph's slope)
12. Linear Inequality Graphing
- Use y = mx + c to graph the line
- Solid line for ≤ or ≥
- Dashed line for < or >
- Shade the correct region
13. Exponential Function
y = a * b^x
- a is the starting value
- b is the growth/decay rate
14. Function Evaluation
Substitute x into the function to calculate f(x).
Example: f(x) = 3x - 2 → f(4) = 10
15. Undefined Functions
Rational functions are undefined when denominator = 0.
Example: h(x) = (3x - 1)/(x + 2) is undefined at x = -2