5 Grade 12 Advanced Functions concepts to master for your math exam
Ontario high school math exams are around the corner and sometimes it can feel like there is so much info to cover that it can be overwhelming to know where to start. At our Toronto math tutoring centre, we totally get it and in this blog post, we'll share five essential study topics that will help you confidently tackle your MHF4U exam. So grab your study materials, your fave beverage, and let's dive in!
1. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Exponential and logarithmic functions, growth and decay, let’s get into it! Make sure you spend time understanding the properties and behaviour of these functions. Explore exponential growth and decay models and their applications, study logarithmic properties and the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions. Learn how to solve exponential and logarithmic equations and graph their related functions AND always be sure to practice using your calculator's exponential and logarithmic functions to familiarize yourself with where those buttons are on your calc!
2. Trigonometric Functions and Identities
Get ready to tackle trigonometric functions and identities, you know you’ve got this! Familiarize yourself with the six trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent) and their properties. Learn how to evaluate trigonometric expressions, solve trig equations, and graph trig functions. Don’t forget to internalize those trip identities, including Pythagorean, reciprocal, and quotient identities. Work through examples that involve simplifying expressions, proving identities, and applying trigonometric functions to real-world scenarios and you’ll be golden!
3. Polynomial Functions
This topic focuses on polynomial functions and their characteristics. Review strategies for factoring polynomials using techniques like the distributive property, factoring by grouping, and difference of squares. Remember how to do polynomial long division in order to help you simplify fractions!
4. Algebraic Operations
We can’t forget algebra - it’s everywhere! In MHF4U, you'll encounter complex polynomial expressions, rational functions, and radical functions. Factoring techniques for polynomials, including difference of squares, sum/difference of cubes, and polynomial long division. Learn how to simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations. And don’t forget about rationalizing denominators!
5. Systems of Inequalities
Everyone loves inequalities, right?! You’ll need to know how to graph systems of inequalities and identify the regions where the solution sets overlap. Solving systems of inequalities will enable you to find solutions that satisfy multiple inequality conditions, providing practical applications in areas such as optimization and constraints - you’ve got this!
So, there you have it guys - five of the hottest topics that will show up on your Grade 12 Ontario Advanced Functions math exam. Make a list, get organized, tackle some practice problems - you’ve got this!
Vanessa Vakharia is the author of 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 + 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝟚 , the host of the Math Therapy podcast, and the founder of The Math Guru tutoring studio.