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| Student Learning Objectives: |
|---|
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| | 13 Theory slides |
| | 16 Exercises - Grade E - A |
| | Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions |
It is known that f(x)=x^2 and g(x)=sqrt(x) are inverse functions. Therefore, the graph of g can be drawn by reflecting the graph of f over the line y=x. In the applet, the graphs of these functions can be seen for values of x greater than or equal to 0.
Functions are usually named after the algebraic expression that defines them.
| Example function | Type of expression | Name of the function |
|---|---|---|
| y=7 | Constant | Constant function |
| y=3x-2 | Linear | Linear function |
| y=- x^2-2x+1 | Quadratic | Quadratic function |
The same holds true to those functions whose function rule is a radical expression.
A radical function is a function in which the independent variable is in the radicand of a radical expression or has a rational exponent.
| Variable in a Radicand | Variable with a Rational Exponent |
|---|---|
| y=sqrt(x) | y=x^(12) |
| y=sqrt(x+1) | y=(x+1)^(13) |
| y=2sqrt(3x+1)-4 | y=2(3x+1)^(14)-4 |
Recall that a root with an even index and a negative radicand is not a real number. Therefore, if the index of the radical is even, then the radicand must be non-negative. By following the same reasoning, if the denominator of the rational exponent is even, then the base of the power must be non-negative. The domain of a radical function can be determined with this information.
c|c Domain of & Domain of y=sqrt(x) & y=2(3x+1)^(14)-4 [1em] & 3x+1≥ 0 x≥ 0 & ⇕ & x≥ - 1/3A radical function in which the index of the radical is 2 is also called a square root function. The parent function of the square root function family is f(x) = sqrt(x).
Because the square root of a negative number is not a real number, the radicand in a square root function must be non-negative. Therefore, the domain of f(x)=sqrt(x) can be defined as all real numbers greater than or equal to 0. The square root of a non-negative number is also non-negative, which leads to the range of this function being all real numbers greater than or equal to 0.
f(x)=sqrt(x) ↙ ↘ cc Domain & Range x≥ 0 & y≥ 0The domain and range of radical functions depend on the index of the radical expression. The radicand of a root with an even index must be non-negative. So, to find the domain of any even indexed radical function, set the radicand greater than or equal to 0. The solution set of this inequality is the domain of the function. Consider an example radical function. y=2sqrt(6-3x)+5 Set the radicand greater than or equal to 0 to find the domain.
| x | 2sqrt(6-3x)+5 | y |
|---|---|---|
| - 2 | 2sqrt(6-3( - 2))+5 | ≈ 8.72 |
| - 1 | 2sqrt(6-3( - 1))+5 | ≈ 8.46 |
| 0 | 2sqrt(6-3( 0))+5 | ≈ 8.13 |
| 1 | 2sqrt(6-3( 1))+5 | ≈ 7.63 |
| 2 | 2sqrt(6-3( 2))+5 | 5 |
Next, the points obtained in the table can be plotted on a coordinate plane and connected with a smooth curve.
The graph shows that the minimum value for y is 5. Also, y tends to infinity as x tends to negative infinity. Therefore, the range of the function is the set of all real numbers greater than or equal to 5. Domain:& x≤ 2 Range:& y ≥ 5 In general, to find the range of an even-indexed radical function, keep in mind that the least value for an nth root when n is even is 0. Consider, for example, the function y=asqrt(bx+c)+d, where a, b, c, and d are real numbers.
This information can be summarized in a table.
| y=asqrt(bx+c)+d, when n is even | |
|---|---|
| Sign of a | Range |
| Positive (a>0) |
y≥ d |
| Negative (a<0) |
y≤ d |
Vincenzo is practicing for his first game as a quarterback. To help him, his friend Mark stands on a car and they pass the ball to each other.
x-intercept: x=0
y-intercept: y=0
End Behavior: y x→ 0 ⟶ 0 and y x→ + ∞ ⟶ + ∞
| x | 1/2sqrt(2x) | y |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1/2sqrt(2( 0)) | 0 |
| 1 | 1/2sqrt(2( 1)) | ≈ 0.71 |
| 2 | 1/2sqrt(2( 2)) | 1 |
| 3 | 1/2sqrt(2( 3)) | ≈ 1.22 |
| 4 | 1/2sqrt(2( 4)) | ≈ 1.41 |
Next, the obtained points can be plotted and connected with a smooth curve.
From the graph, it is seen that the x-intercept and the y-intercept both occur at the origin. It can also be seen that this function increases over its entire domain and that y tends to infinity as x tends to infinity. With this information, the desired characteristics can be written. Recall that the domain and range are both all non-negative real numbers!
| Domain | x≥ 0 |
|---|---|
| Range | y≥ 0 |
| x-intercept | x=0 |
| y-intercept | y=0 |
| End Behavior | y x→ 0 ⟶ 0 and y x→ + ∞ ⟶ + ∞ |
A radical function in which the index of the radical is 3 is also called a cube root function. The parent function of the cube root function family is f(x) = sqrt(x).
It is worth noting that the cube root is defined for all real numbers. This means that the domain of f(x)=sqrt(x) is the set of all real numbers. Furthermore, any real number can be written as the cube root of a number. This leads to the range of this function being all real numbers.
f(x)=sqrt(x) ↙ ↘ cc Domain & Range all real numbers & all real numbersA root that has an odd index is defined for all real numbers. Therefore, the domain of any odd indexed radical function is the set of all real numbers. Furthermore, because this type of function is monotonic, the range of an odd-indexed radical function is also the set of all real numbers. Consider an example function. y=sqrt(3x+1)-2 A table can be made to find ordered pairs. Recall that the variable x can take any real value.
| x | sqrt(3x+1)-2 | y |
|---|---|---|
| - 3 | sqrt(3( - 3)+1)-2 | ≈ - 3.52 |
| - 2 | sqrt(3( - 2)+1)-2 | ≈ - 3.38 |
| - 1 | sqrt(3( - 1)+1)-2 | ≈ - 3.15 |
| 0 | sqrt(3( 0)+1)-2 | - 1 |
| 1 | sqrt(3( 1)+1)-2 | ≈ - 0.68 |
| 2 | sqrt(3( 2)+1)-2 | ≈ - 0.52 |
| 3 | sqrt(3( 3)+1)-2 | ≈ - 0.42 |
The obtained points can now be plotted and connected with a smooth curve.
The graph shows that y tends to infinity as x tends to infinity and that y tends to negative infinity as x tends to negative infinity. Therefore, the range of the function is the set of all real numbers.
Domain:& all real numbers Range:& all real numbersTonight is Vincenzo's first game as a quarterback! Right before the game, he discovered that a pass is more precise and harder to intercept if the ball follows the path of a cube root function. Vincenzo decides to try this in the game.
x-intercept: x=- 1
y-intercept: y=1
End Behavior: y x→ - ∞ ⟶ - ∞ and y x→ + ∞ ⟶ + ∞
| x | sqrt(x+1) | y |
|---|---|---|
| - 4 | sqrt(- 4+1) | ≈ - 1.44 |
| - 3 | sqrt(- 3+1) | ≈ - 1.26 |
| - 2 | sqrt(- 2+1) | - 1 |
| - 1 | sqrt(- 1+1) | 0 |
| 0 | sqrt(0+1) | 1 |
| 1 | sqrt(1+1) | ≈ 1.26 |
| 2 | sqrt(2+1) | ≈ 1.44 |
| 3 | sqrt(3+1) | ≈ 1.59 |
| 4 | sqrt(4+1) | ≈ 1.71 |
Next, the calculated points can be plotted and connected with a smooth curve.
The graph suggests that the range is the set of all real numbers. It shows that the x-intercept occurs at x=- 1 and the y-intercept at y=1. It can also be seen that y tends to negative infinity as x tends to negative infinity, and that y tends to infinity as x tends to infinity. With this information, the desired characteristics can be written.
| Domain | All real numbers |
|---|---|
| Range | All real numbers |
| x-intercept | x=- 1 |
| y-intercept | y=1 |
| End Behavior | y x→ - ∞ ⟶ - ∞ and y x→ + ∞ ⟶ + ∞ |
Find the domain and the range of the given radical function.
A radical inequality in two variables is an inequality that contains an radical expression and shows the relationship between two variables. A radical inequality in two variables is similar to a radical equation in two variables. The difference is that instead of an equals sign, the inequality contains a less than, less than or equal to, greater than, or greater than or equal to sign.
It is worth noting that radical inequalities in two variables can be graphed the same way as any other inequality in two variables.
The steps for graphing a radical inequality in two variables are similar to the steps for graphing other types of inequalities. The general method is to draw the graph of the boundary curve and then determine the region to be shaded by testing a point. The following inequality will be drawn as an example. y-3 > sqrt(2x-4) To draw the graph of this inequality, the following steps can be followed.
| x | sqrt(2x-4)+3 | y |
|---|---|---|
| - 4 | sqrt(2( - 4)-4)+3 | ≈ 0.71 |
| - 3 | sqrt(2( - 3)-4)+3 | ≈ 0.85 |
| - 2 | sqrt(2( - 2)-4)+3 | 1 |
| - 1 | sqrt(2( - 1)-4)+3 | ≈ 1.18 |
| 0 | sqrt(2( 0)-4)+3 | ≈ 1.41 |
| 1 | sqrt(2( 1)-4)+3 | ≈ 1.74 |
| 2 | sqrt(2( 2)-4)+3 | 3 |
| 3 | sqrt(2( 3)-4)+3 | ≈ 4.26 |
| 4 | sqrt(2( 4)-4)+3 | ≈ 4.59 |
Plot the points and draw the boundary curve. Since the given inequality is strict, the boundary curve will be dashed.
x= 0, y= 0
Zero Property of Multiplication
Subtract terms
Use a calculator
Because a false statement was obtained, the region that does not contain (0,0) will be shaded.
Thanks to his knowledge of radical functions, Vincenzo is continuously improving his performance at football.
When passing the ball, he realized that if the ball is above the path described by a radical function, opposing players are not able to intercept it. All in all, Vincenzo wants his passes to satisfy the following radical inequality. y+1 > sqrt(3x-6) Graph this inequality on a coordinate plane.
| x | sqrt(3x-6)-1 | y |
|---|---|---|
| - 3 | sqrt(3( - 3)-6)-1 | ≈ - 3.47 |
| - 2 | sqrt(3( - 2)-6)-1 | ≈ - 3.29 |
| - 1 | sqrt(3( - 1)-6)-1 | ≈ - 3.08 |
| 0 | sqrt(3( 0)-6)-1 | ≈ 2.82 |
| 1 | sqrt(3( 1)-6)-1 | ≈ - 2.44 |
| 2 | sqrt(3( 2)-6)-1 | - 1 |
| 3 | sqrt(3( 3)-6)-1 | ≈ 0.44 |
| 4 | sqrt(3( 4)-6)-1 | ≈ 0.82 |
| 5 | sqrt(3( 5)-6)-1 | ≈ 1.08 |
Next, the points obtained in the table can be plotted and connected with a smooth curve. Because the given inequality is a strict inequality, the curve will be dashed.
Now the correct region must be shaded. To determine which region to shade, a point not on the boundary curve will be tested. The point (0,0) seems like the easiest choice.
x= 0, y= 0
Identity Property of Addition
Zero Property of Multiplication
Subtract term
Calculate root
The point (0,0) satisfies the given inequality. Therefore, the region that contains this point will be shaded.
Vincenzo's knowledge about radical functions and inequalities led his team to the regional finals!
For the final game, Vincenzo realized that if the ball is thrown along or above the curve of a square root function, his passes will never be intercepted by an opponent. This means that his team can win the regional championship and qualify for state! Consider the following inequality. y≥ 2sqrt(1/2x-1)+1 Graph this inequality on a coordinate plane.
The domain of the function is the set of all real numbers greater than or equal to 2. Now the make the table of values, keeping in mind that only x-values that belong to the domain can be used.
| x | 2sqrt(1/2x-1)+1 | y |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2sqrt(1/2( 2)-1)+1 | 1 |
| 3 | 2sqrt(1/2( 3)-1)+1 | ≈ 2.41 |
| 5 | 2sqrt(1/2( 5)-1)+1 | ≈ 3.45 |
| 10 | 2sqrt(1/2( 10)-1)+1 | 5 |
The points can be plotted and connected with a smooth curve. Remember that since the inequality is not strict, the curve will be solid.
Finally, the correct region should be shaded. To determine which region to shade, a point not on the curve must be tested. The point (10,3) looks like a good choice. This point will be evaluated in the given inequality.
The test point does not satisfy the inequality. Therefore, the region that does not contain this point should be shaded. Keep in mind that the domain of the related function is the set of real numbers greater than or equal to 2. Therefore, to shade the region, only the x-values greater than 2 must be considered.
This lesson explored the concept of radical functions. In particular, it has been seen that the domain of odd-indexed radical functions is the set of all real numbers. Conversely, the domain of even-indexed radical functions is the set of real numbers that make the radicand greater than or equal to zero.
The difference in the domain of each type of function is reflected in its graph.
The domain of this type of function is the set of all real numbers. Therefore, the corresponding graph extends from negative infinity to positive infinity on the horizontal axis.
As already stated, the domain of this type of function is the set of all real numbers that makes the radicand non-negative. This means that the corresponding graph does not extend from negative infinity to positive infinity on the horizontal axis. The graph instead starts at a certain x-value.
Consider the following square root function and its corresponding domain and range.
| Function | y=asqrt(x-h)+k |
|---|---|
| Domain | {x | x≥ - 4} |
| Range | {y | y≤ 6} |
Find the values of a, h, and k if the graph of the function passes through (5,3). Write them in this specific order.
Let's start by finding the value of h. To do so, recall that the radicand of a square root must be non-negative. We can use this information to find the domain of the radical function. ccc Restriction & & Domain x-h≥ 0 & ⇔ & x≥ h We found that the domain of the function is the set of real numbers greater than or equal to h. We are given that the domain is the set of real numbers that are greater than or equal to - 4. Therefore, we can conclude that h=- 4. x ≥ - 4 and x≥ h ⇓ h=- 4 We can substitute the value of h in the function rule. y=asqrt(x-( - 4))+k ⇕ y=asqrt(x+4)+k Next, note that the function does not have a maximum value. This is because the variable x can be as large as we want. However, we found that the minimum value for x is - 4. Therefore, the boundary of the range is obtained when x=- 4. Let's calculate it!
We found that the boundary of the range is k. Recall that we already know that the range is the set of real numbers that are less than or equal to 6. This means that the boundary of the range is 6 and we can conclude that k=6. Let's add this value to the function rule. y=asqrt(x+4)+ 6 Finally, to find the value of a, we will use the fact that the graph passes through (5,3). Let's substitute x=5 and y=3 in the above equation.
We found the value of a. Now let's complete the function! y= - 1sqrt(x+4)+6 ⇕ y=- sqrt(x+4)+6