Algebra 2 Semester 1 Cheat Sheet

When you see … Think …

Absolute Value Equations/Inequalities Always get TWO answers! (If an equation, set up 2nd equation
with negative on other side. If an inequality, set up 2nd
inequality by flipping ineq and switching sign. Don’t forget
“and” or “or”!)
Absolute Value or Radical Equations with Check your ANSWERS! Some may be extraneous!
Variables on Both Sides
Domain x-values
Range y-values
Function x-values do NOT repeat, passes vertical line test
Slope intercept form y = mx + b
Standard Form Ax + By = C (a, b cannot be fractions, a cannot be negative)
Slope m = change in y/change in x
x-intercept Plug in y = 0
y-intercept Plug in x = 0
Horizontal lines Slope = 0, always in the form x =
Vertical lines Slope is undefined, always in the form y =
Parallel Lines Slopes are equal
Perpendicular lines Slopes are opposite reciprocals
Solving Two-Variable Inequalities or Graph on coordinate plane and shade
Systems of Inequalities
Solving a Quadratic Equation Put in calculator FIRST and see if it crosses the x-axis. If it
does, there is your answer. If not, use the quadratic formula!
Complex Numbers i2 = -1
Completing the Square When in standard form, move constant to other side. Take
middle number, divide by two and square it. Add that number
to both sides. Then, factor it. It will always go into one set of
parentheses squared. Insert your variable, use the same sign
as the middle number and use the number you got when you
divided by two! Simplify the other side of the equation.
Writing a Polynomial Equation If you are given the zeroes, write the factors then multiply the
factors.
Finding Zeroes/Roots of a Polynomial The number of solutions will equal the degree. Put in
Equation or just Solving a Polynomial calculator, see where it crosses the x-axis. Those are your real
Equation answers.
Adding/Subtracting Polynomials Combine like terms
Multiplying Polynomials FOIL binomials or distribute anything else
Taking Numbers out of Radicals Factor the number inside. Pull out anything that is part of a
pair; leave the leftovers inside