Key Math Formulas Overview
Key Math Formulas Overview
Tangent, defined as sin(theta)/cos(theta), becomes undefined when cos(theta)=0, as division by zero is impossible. This occurs at odd multiples of π/2 (90°, 270°, etc.) where cosine crosses zero. Graphically, it results in vertical asymptotes, indicating the tangent approaches infinity, significantly affecting its periodicity and behavior on the graph .
The distance formula, sqrt[(x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2], is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem. Geometrically, it calculates the straight-line distance (the hypotenuse) between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) in a coordinate plane, representing the minimum distance travelled between these points .
The quadratic formula x = (-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a) solves quadratic equations of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0. By substituting a, b, and c, the formula finds the roots where the parabola intersects the x-axis. It's crucial because it provides a reliable method to find solutions for any quadratic equation, ensuring that real or complex roots are accurately computed .
The volume of a sphere is derived using integral calculus by rotating a semicircle about the x-axis. The area of the semicircle (y = sqrt(r^2 - x^2)) when revolved forms a sphere. Integrating pi*(r^2-x^2) with respect to x from -r to r yields the volume (4/3)*pi*r^3 .
The slope of a line through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is calculated using the formula (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1). For points (1,2) and (3,8), the slope is (8 - 2)/(3 - 1) = 3. It represents the rate of change or steepness of the line, indicating that for each unit increase in x, y increases by 3 units .
The Pythagorean identity states that sin^2(theta) + cos^2(theta) = 1. This relationship illustrates that for any angle theta in a right-angled triangle, the square of the sine function value plus the square of the cosine function value equals one. This identity is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem applied to the unit circle, showing how changes in the angle affect both trigonometric functions symmetrically .
Probability is the ratio of favorable outcomes to total outcomes. Rolling a sum of 7 can occur with the pairs (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), and (6,1) — six favorable outcomes. Since two dice have 6 sides each, there are 36 total outcomes. Thus, the probability is 6/36 = 1/6 .
Integration finds the area under a curve by summing infinitesimal slices. For y=x^2 from x=0 to x=2, we calculate the definite integral: int(x^2 dx) from 0 to 2. This results in [x^3/3] evaluated from 0 to 2, giving (8/3) - 0 = 8/3. Integration offers a precise method for calculating such areas, providing insights into the cumulative effect or displacement represented by the curve .
The mean is the arithmetic average of all values, whereas the median is the middle value in ordered data. The mean is sensitive to outliers, which can skew results. The median is preferred in skewed distributions or when outliers are present, as it better represents the center without distortion. In symmetrical distributions, both measures yield similar results .
The difference of squares formula is a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b). Applying this to the expression 9^2 - 4^2, we identify a = 9 and b = 4. Thus, it becomes (9 - 4)(9 + 4) = 5 * 13 = 65.