Precalculus with Limits: A Graphing Approach, Sixth Edition
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Precalculus with Limits: A Graphing Approach, Sixth Edition View details
1. Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
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Exercise 1 Page 189

We are asked to complete the following sentence.

Exponential and logarithmic functions are examples of nonalgebraic functions, also called functions.

Let's start by recalling that there are two categories of mathematical functions that have distinct characteristics — algebraic and nonalgebraic functions.
Categories of functions

An algebraic function is any function that can be defined using polynomial equations. In other words, it is a function that involves only the algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation. Examples of algebraic functions are polynomial functions, rational functions, and power functions.

Nonalgebraic functions

Nonalgebraic functions, also known as transcendental functions, cannot be expressed solely in terms of algebraic operations. They often involve more complex mathematical operations that go beyond simple algebra. Exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and absolute value functions are examples of transcendental functions.

Nonalgebraic functions

We can now complete the sentence.

Exponential and logarithmic functions are examples of nonalgebraic functions, also called transcendental functions.