The Five Function Families

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Memorize

Every CSCA function question fits one of these. Spot the family → instantly know what tools to use.

Power \cdot Exp \cdot Log \cdot Trig \cdot Polynomial

These five cover ~95% of CSCA function questions

Power

$x^{a}$

Includes $x = x^{1/2}$ and $\frac{1}{x} = x^{- 1}$

Exp / Log

$a^{x} / lo g_{a} (x)$

Inverses of each other. Log input must be $> 0$

Trig

$sin, cos, tan$

Periodic. $sin^{2} x + cos^{2} x = 1$ always