Exam Strategy

Readiness Check

You are ready when you can (1) factor or expand on command and say what each form reveals, (2) complete a long division and write $f=gq+r$, (3) state a slant asymptote from the quotient, and (4) expand $(x\pm c)^n$ for $n\le 4$ with correct signs.

Prep Sequence

1. Drill factored ↔ expanded pairs. 2. Drill cancel + domain restriction. 3. Three long divisions with nonzero remainder. 4. Two slant-asymptote items. 5. Pascal rows $n=2,3,4$ cold.

On the Exam

• Match the asked feature to the best form before algebra churn.
• After canceling, write the restriction in the same sentence as the equivalent expression.
• For slant: check degree condition, then $y=$ quotient (ignore remainder for the asymptote line).
• For binomial: write the Pascal row first, then attach powers and signs.

Common Traps

• Using expanded form to “see” zeros without factoring.
• Claiming two expressions are identical without domain match.
• Writing slant as $y=r(x)/g(x)$.
• Dropping alternating signs in $(a-b)^n$.

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Correct equivalent form chosen for the question
• [ ] Domain restriction stated if canceled
• [ ] Division identity $f=gq+r$ checked by multiplying back
• [ ] Slant = quotient line when degree rule holds
• [ ] Binomial coefficients and signs verified