Mathematics Mini-Guide: Algebra &
Calculus
A concise, student-friendly mini-handbook
Prepared for self-study
August 30, 2025
Contents
1 Core Algebra Concepts 2
1.1 Functions and Their Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Polynomials and Factorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Introduction to Calculus 2
2.1 Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Integrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3 Applications 2
3.1 Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4 Practice Set 3
1
1 Core Algebra Concepts
1.1 Functions and Their Graphs
A function f from a set A to a set B assigns each x ∈ A a unique value f (x) ∈ B. Common
families include linear f (x) = mx + b, quadratic f (x) = ax2 + bx + c, and power f (x) = kxn .
Example 1. Find the vertex of f (x) = 2x2 − 8x + 3. Completing the square:
h i
f (x) = 2 x2 − 4x + 3 = 2 (x − 2)2 − 4 + 3 = 2(x − 2)2 − 8 + 3.
Thus the vertex is (2, −5).
1.2 Polynomials and Factorization
The Factor Theorem: x − a is a factor of p(x) iff p(a) = 0.
Example 2. Factor x3 −6x2 +11x−6. Since p(1) = p(2) = p(3) = 0, we have x3 −6x2 +11x−6 =
(x − 1)(x − 2)(x − 3).
2 Introduction to Calculus
2.1 Limits
Intuitively, limx→a f (x) = L means values of f (x) can be made arbitrarily close to L by taking
x sufficiently close to a.
sin x 1 − cos x 1
lim = 1, lim 2
= .
x→0 x x→0 x 2
2.2 Derivatives
The derivative of f at a is
f (a + h) − f (a)
f ′ (a) = lim .
h→0 h
Rules: (c)′ = 0, (xn )′ = nxn−1 , (f g)′ = f ′ g + f g ′ , (f ◦ g)′ = (f ′ ◦ g) · g ′ .
Example 3. Differentiate f (x) = x3 ln x. Using product rule: f ′ (x) = 3x2 ln x + x3 · 1
x =
3x2 ln x + x2 .
2.3 Integrals
Define the antiderivative F ′ (x) = f (x). The (definite) integral is area with orientation:
Z b
f (x) dx = F (b) − F (a).
a
R1 1
3x2 dx = x3
Example 4. Compute 0 0 = 1.
3 Applications
3.1 Optimization
To maximize/minimize f on an interval, check critical points (f ′ (x) = 0 or undefined) and
endpoints.
Example 5. Find the point on y = 4−x2 closest to (0, −3). Minimize d(x) = (x − 0)2 +(4 − x2 + 3)2 ,
p
+ (7 − x2 )2 . Set D′ (x) = 2x + 2(7 − x2 )(−2x) = 0 ⇒ x(1 − 2(7 − x2 )) = 0
equivalently D(x) = x2p
giving x = 0 or x = ± 13/2. Check to conclude x = 0 is closest; point (0, 4).
2
4 Practice Set
P1. Solve 2x2 − 5x − 3 = 0.
ex −1
P2. Evaluate limx→0 x .
sin x
P3. Differentiate f (x) = for x ̸= 0.
x
Z π
P4. Compute sin x dx.
0
