Sample · 00-Fundamentals + Special Functions · AB + BC
Chapter 0 Overview
AP Calculus Book · Chapter 0: Fundamentals + Special Functions · AB + BC
This expanded Chapter 0 now incorporates the uploaded Fundamentals Special Functions material: zeros, absolute value, greatest-integer functions, transformations such as \(|f(x)|\) and \(f(|x|)\), polynomial and rational functions, trigonometric periodicity and amplitude, inverse trigonometric functions, exponential/logarithmic functions, parametrically defined functions, and polar functions.
How this revision uses the uploaded document
The added material follows the document’s visual flow: inverse graphs as reflections, zeros of polynomial functions, absolute value and greatest-integer graphs, graph transformations, polynomial/rational definitions, trig period/amplitude examples, inverse trig restricted domains and ranges, exponential/logarithmic inverse relationship, BC parametric curves, and BC polar curves.
0.1 Function Representations and Function Tests
0.1 Function Representations and Function Tests
Deep textbook explanation
Functions can appear as formulas, tables, graphs, and verbal descriptions. A graph represents a function of \(x\) only if it passes the vertical line test. In AP Calculus, students must translate between representations and interpret units, domains, and outputs.
Worked example
Worked example. If \(f(3)=8\), then \((3,8)\) is on the graph of \(y=f(x)\), a table would pair input \(3\) with output \(8\), and in words the output is \(8\) when the input is \(3\).
- A\((2,6)\) lies on \(y=f(x)\)
- B\((6,2)\) lies on \(y=f(x)\)
- C\(f'(6)=2\)
- D\(f(x)=6x+2\)
- E\(f(2)=6\)
- AIt has no x-intercepts
- BIt has no y-intercept
- CSome input has more than one output
- DIt is always discontinuous
- EIt is a polynomial
FRQ Readiness Task
A verbal model says the cost is \(50\) dollars plus \(12\) dollars per hour. Write a function \(C(h)\).
0.2 Zeros, Intercepts, and Factor Reasoning
0.2 Zeros, Intercepts, and Factor Reasoning
Zero graph check
A zero is not just a point near the curve. A zero must satisfy \(f(x)=0\), so its point on the graph is \((x,0)\). Therefore every zero marker must lie exactly on the x-axis, and the curve must cross or touch the x-axis at that marker.
Deep textbook explanation
Zeros of a function are the \(x\)-values for which \(f(x)=0\). On a graph, they are x-intercepts. Algebraically, factoring is usually the fastest way to find zeros of polynomial functions. Multiplicity matters: an odd-multiplicity zero crosses the x-axis, while an even-multiplicity zero usually touches and turns.
Worked example
Worked example. For \(f(x)=x^4-2x^2\), factor \(x^2(x^2-2)\). The zeros are \(x=0,\sqrt2,-\sqrt2\). The zero \(x=0\) has multiplicity 2.
- A\(0,2,-2\)
- B\(0,\sqrt2,-\sqrt2\)
- C\(\sqrt2\) only
- D\(0\) only
- E\(2,-2\)
- A\(-1\)
- B\(0\)
- C\(1\)
- D\(3\)
- E\(-3\)
FRQ Readiness Task
Explain graphically how a zero of even multiplicity differs from a zero of odd multiplicity.
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