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Unit 1: Pre-Calculus and Systems

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    149762
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    • 1.1: Review of Functions
      In this section, we provide a formal definition of a function and examine several ways in which functions are represented—namely, through tables, formulas, and graphs. We study formal notation and terms related to functions. We also define composition of functions and symmetry properties. Most of this material will be a review for you, but it serves as a handy reference to remind you of some of the algebraic techniques useful for working with functions.
    • 1.2: Linear Functions
      The ordered pairs given by a linear function represent points on a line. Linear functions can be represented in words, function notation, tabular form, and graphical form. The rate of change of a linear function is also known as the slope. An equation in the slope-intercept form of a line includes the slope and the initial value of the function. The initial value, or y-intercept, is the output value when the input of a linear function is zero.
    • 1.3: Systems of Linear Equations - Two Variables
      A system of linear equations consists of two or more equations made up of two or more variables such that all equations in the system are considered simultaneously. The solution to a system of linear equations in two variables is any ordered pair that satisfies each equation independently. Systems of equations are classified as independent with one solution, dependent with an infinite number of solutions, or inconsistent with no solution.
    • 1.4: Systems of Linear Equations with Three Variables
      A solution set is an ordered triple that represents the intersection of three planes in space. A system of three equations in three variables can be solved by using a series of steps that forces a variable to be eliminated. The steps include interchanging the order of equations, multiplying both sides of an equation by a nonzero constant, and adding a nonzero multiple of one equation to another equation. Systems of three equations in three variables are useful for solving real-world problems.
    • 1.5: Matrices and Matrix Operations
      To solve a systems of equations, we can use a matrix, which is a rectangular array of numbers. A row in a matrix is a set of numbers that are aligned horizontally. A column in a matrix is a set of numbers that are aligned vertically. Each number is an entry, sometimes called an element, of the matrix. Matrices (plural) are enclosed in [ ] or ( ), and are usually named with capital letters.
    • 1.6: Solving Systems with Gaussian Elimination
      A matrix can serve as a device for representing and solving a system of equations. To express a system in matrix form, we extract the coefficients of the variables and the constants, and these become the entries of the matrix. We use a vertical line to separate the coefficient entries from the constants, essentially replacing the equal signs. When a system is written in this form, we call it an augmented matrix.
    • 1.7: Solving Systems with Inverses
      A matrix that has a multiplicative inverse is called an invertible matrix. Only a square matrix may have a multiplicative inverse, as reversibility is a requirement. Not all square matrices have an inverse. We will look at two methods for finding the inverse of a  2×2  matrix and a third method that can be used on both  2×2  and 3×3  matrices.


    This page titled Unit 1: Pre-Calculus and Systems is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Karen Cliffe.

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