Review Topics for Algebra 2 Third Trimester Common Assessment

Quadratic Functions

Recognize a quadratic function from an equation.

Find x-intercepts.
Factor
Identify key attributes (i.e. up or down; axis of symmetry; vertex; zeroes; maximum or
minimum; etc.)
Solve by factoring, quadratic formula, or from a graph (with the calculator and without).
You MUST have the quadratic formula memorized and you MUST know the
completing the square process.
Model data using a quadratic function (use the calculator)

Polynomial Functions

Name polynomial functions according to degree (monomial, binomial, trinomial, quadratic,

cubic, quartic, etc.)
Identify leading coefficient in a given polynomial
Find the roots or identify the roots of a given polynomial
Know and use the relationship between factors and roots. (If f(a) = 0, then (x a) is a
factor.)
Factor polynomials completely.
You MUST remember to factor out the GCF first and you must know how to
factor difference of squares, factoring by grouping, and polynomials of the
pattern

a x 4 +b x 2+ c .

Find maximum/minimum or local maximum/local minimum for a polynomial function

(using the calculator)

Radical Functions

Write expressions with rational exponents (fraction exponents) in radical form.

Identify transformations of the parent square root or cube root function from a graph and
use transformations to write an equation for a given graph.
Solve radical equations (or equations with rational exponents). You MUST remember to
check for extraneous solutions. Even if your math is 100% correct, you will get
the answer wrong most of the time if you dont check.
Identify the domain and range of a given radical function from an equation.

Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

Rewrite logarithmic equations in exponential form.

Simplify expressions involving logarithms and natural logarithms.
Use properties of logs to solve equations involving logs. You MUST have the properties
of logs memorized.
Use common logs and natural logs to simplify expressions and solve equations. You must
know the base of the common log and the base of the natural log. When you
solve a log equation, you must check to make sure the solution does not make
the inside of the log zero or a negative number. If you do not do this step, even
if your math is perfect, you get the wrong answer.

Solve exponential equations using logs.

Solve exponential equations by rewriting to make each side have the same base.
Transform logarithmic functions.
Identify the domain and range of logarithmic functions.
Identify the domain and range of exponential functions.
Identify asymptotes in logarithmic and exponential functions (Which one has a vertical
asymptote? Which has a horizontal asymptote?)
Solve problems involving exponential growth or decay. You MUST know the formulas
for exponential growth/decay, compound interest, and continuous compounding.
Model data using an exponential function (use the calculator)
Solve logarithmic inequalities (using calculator)

Rational Functions

Solve rational equations including eliminating extraneous solutions. Remember, you

MUST check to make sure the solution(s) dont make the denominator equal
zero. If you skip this step, you get the question wrong no matter how beautiful
your math is.
Simplify rational expressions and identify undefined values.
Identify holes, vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptotes, and zeroes of a rational
function.
Add and subtract rational expressions
Simplify complex fractions

Miscellaneous

Solve a system of two equations involving data given for a quadratic and an exponential or
a quadratic and a logarithmic, etc. (use the calculator)
Find average rate of change for any function, even a very difficult one.
Use the calculator to solve equations, even very complicated looking ones.