practicecalculus

Functions in calculus

A reference for every function family in calculus. Each page shows the graph, domain and range, key properties, its derivative and integral, and worked examples.

Algebraic functions

Polynomials, powers, roots, rational functions and absolute value.

Algebraic functions →
Constant function f(x) = c The constant function f(x) = c: its horizontal-line graph, why its derivative is 0, its integral cx + C, limits, and common mistakes with constants. Linear function f(x) = mx + b The linear function f(x) = mx + b: slope and intercept, its straight-line graph, why its derivative is the slope m, its integral and worked examples. Quadratic function f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, \quad a \ne 0 The quadratic function f(x) = ax² + bx + c: parabola graph, vertex formula, roots, derivative 2ax + b, integral and worked calculus examples. Power functions f(x) = x^n Power functions f(x) = xⁿ for whole, negative and fractional n: graphs, domains, the derivative nxⁿ⁻¹, the integral and the n = -1 exception. Polynomial functions f(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \cdots + a_1 x + a_0 Polynomial functions explained: degree, leading term, end behavior, roots and turning points, plus how to differentiate and integrate any polynomial. Rational functions f(x) = \frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}, \quad Q(x) \ne 0 Rational functions P(x)/Q(x): domain, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, holes, derivatives with the quotient rule and integrals by partial fractions. Reciprocal function f(x) = \frac{1}{x} The reciprocal function 1/x: its hyperbola graph and asymptotes, the derivative -1/x², why its integral is ln|x| + C, and its one-sided limits. Square root function f(x) = \sqrt{x} = x^{1/2} The square root function f(x) = √x: its domain and graph, the derivative 1/(2√x), the integral (2/3)x^(3/2) + C, and the vertical tangent at 0. Absolute value function f(x) = |x| = \begin{cases} x & x \ge 0 \\ -x & x < 0 \end{cases} The absolute value function |x|: its V-shaped graph, why it is continuous but not differentiable at 0, its derivative x/|x|, and its integral.

Exponential and logarithmic functions

Growth, decay and the natural log, the functions behind e.

Exponential and logarithmic functions →

Trigonometric functions

Sine, cosine, tangent and their reciprocals.

Trigonometric functions →

Inverse trigonometric functions

Arcsine, arccosine and arctangent, and the angles they return.

Inverse trigonometric functions →

Hyperbolic functions

sinh, cosh and tanh, built from exponentials.

Hyperbolic functions →

Special and piecewise functions

Piecewise, step, floor and other functions you meet in limits and continuity.

Special and piecewise functions →

Learn by doing

Know the rule? Now use it.

Every reference page links to an interactive lesson where you solve real problems with instant feedback and step-by-step walkthroughs.

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