SAT II Math II : SAT Subject Test in Math II

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Math II

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Functions And Graphs

What is the vertex of ?  Is it a max or min?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The polynomial is in standard form of a parabola.

To determine the vertex, first write the formula.

Substitute the coefficients.

Since the  is negative is negative, the parabola opens down, and we will have a maximum.

The answer is:  

Example Question #1 : Maximum And Minimum

Given the parabola equation , what is the max or minimum, and where?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The parabola is in the form:  

The vertex formula will determine the x-value of the max or min.  Since the value of  is negative, the parabola will open downward, and there will be a maximum.

Write the vertex formula and substitute the correct coefficients.

Substitute this value back in the parabolic equation to determine the y-value.

The answer is:  

Example Question #51 : Functions And Graphs

Define the functions  and  on the set of real numbers as follows:

Give the natural domain of the composite function .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The natural domain of the composite function  is defined to be the intersection of the two sets.

 

One set is the natural domain of . Since  is defined to be the square root of an expression, the radicand must be nonnegative. Therefore,

This set is .

 

The other set is the set of numbers that the function  pairs with a number within the domain of . Since the radicand of the square root in  must be nonnegative, 

For  to fall within this set:

This set is .

 

, which is the natural domain.

Example Question #1 : Solving Linear Functions

If , what must  be?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Replace the value of negative two with the x-variable.

There is no need to use the FOIL method to expand the binomial.

The answer is:  

Example Question #1 : Solving Functions

Let .  What is the value of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Substitute the fraction as .

Multiply the whole number with the numerator.

Convert the expression so that both terms have similar denominators.

The answer is:  

Example Question #1 : Solving Linear Functions

If , what must  be?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

A function of x equals five.  This can be translated to:

This means that every point on the x-axis has a y value of five.  

Therefore, .

The answer is:  

Example Question #1 : Solving Exponential, Logarithmic, And Radical Functions

Rewrite as a single logarithmic expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Using the properties of logarithms

 and ,

simplify as follows:

Example Question #2 : Solving Exponential, Logarithmic, And Radical Functions

Simplify by rationalizing the denominator:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator, which is . Then take advantage of the distributive properties and the difference of squares pattern:

 

Example Question #1 : Solving Functions

Simplify:

You may assume that  is a nonnegative real number.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The best way to simplify a radical within a radical is to rewrite each root as a fractional exponent, then convert back.

First, rewrite the roots as exponents.

Then convert back to a radical and rationalizing the denominator:

Example Question #1 : Solving Functions

Let .   What is the value of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Replace the integer as .

Evaluate each negative exponent.

Sum the fractions.

The answer is:  

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