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Intermediate Algebra – Student Workbook – Second Edition 2013

Intermediate Algebra – Student Workbook – Second Edition 2013

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Lesson 6b - Rational Exponents and Radical Functions<br />

Mini-Lesson<br />

RADICAL FUNCTIONS <strong>–</strong> KEY CHARACTERISTICS<br />

Radical Functions<br />

A basic radical (square root) function is a function of the form<br />

f (x) = p(x)<br />

where p(x) is a polynomial and p ( x)<br />

0 (remember that we cannot take the square root<br />

of negative numbers in the real number system).<br />

DOMAIN<br />

To determine the domain of f(x), you want to find the values of x such that p ( x)<br />

0 .<br />

X-INTERCEPT<br />

To determine the x-intercept, solve the equation p(x) = 0.<br />

Y-INTERCEPT<br />

To determine the y-intercept, determine the value for f(0). This means, plug 0 in for x and<br />

compute the result. You will not always have a y-intercept.<br />

Problem 5<br />

WORKED EXAMPLE <strong>–</strong> KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF RADICAL<br />

FUNCTIONS<br />

Graph f ( x)<br />

x 2 and determine y-intercept, x-intercept, and domain of f(x).<br />

To graph, input into Y1 the following: 2 nd >X^2 then x-2) so that Y1= ( x 2)<br />

on the standard window (Zoom 6) to get the graph below:<br />

. Graph<br />

DOMAIN<br />

Solve x 2 0 to get x 2. Therefore the domain is x 2.<br />

X-INTERCEPT<br />

Solve x <strong>–</strong> 2 = 0 to get x = 2. The x-intercept is (2,0)<br />

Y-INTERCEPT<br />

Determine f(0) = 0 2 2 which is not a real number, so there is no y-<br />

intercept.<br />

Scottsdale Community College Page 269 <strong>Intermediate</strong> <strong>Algebra</strong>

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