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Glossary |
In the first part of the text, we introduced the function concept, and discussed the relationships between the graphical, numerical, and algebraic representations of a function. We applied these ideas to quickly sketch a function, derived from a list of known core functions, from its formula or vice versa. Along the way, we learned several important concepts, such as the slope of a linear function, and many useful functional operations, such as composition and inversion. In this part, we will apply these ideas to study several important groups of functions: exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
These functions are all quite closely related, and are used constantly in the sciences to create mathematical models. Therefore, as we introduce each type of function, we will discuss how these functions are used in realistic settings. These functions are called transcendental because they cannot be defined directly by algebraic formulas. This means that the only way to work with these functions is to learn to use their algebraic and geometric properties. If this seems unclear now, it will soon become apparent as we begin to discuss exponential functions, and even more so when we examine logarithms.
Go to Exponential Functions
| Table of Contents | Send questions or
comments to jwicks@northpark.edu |
Glossary |