1. **Understanding Functions, Domain, and Range** A function is a relation where each input has exactly one output. The domain is the set of all possible inputs (x-values), and the range is the set of all possible outputs (y-values). 2. **Rate of Change and Slope** The rate of change between two points on a function is given by the slope formula: $$\text{slope} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ This measures how fast the function's output changes with respect to the input. 3. **Extrema (Maximum and Minimum Values)** Extrema are points where the function reaches local or global maximum or minimum values. These points are important for optimization. 4. **Interpreting Graphs of Functions** Graphs visually represent functions, showing domain, range, rate of change, and extrema. 5. **Summary** Understanding these concepts helps model real-world scenarios, analyze data trends, and optimize solutions.