RADICAL FUNCTIONS, RATIONAL

FUNCTIONS

4.1 The Radical Function p. 239

4.2 The Square Root of a Function p. 249
4.3 The Rational Function. 259
4.4 Further Analysis of Rational Functions p. 271

Chapter Review Practice p. 289

4.1 The Radical Function

As we encountered in Chapter 1, the basic radical function is .

In the first part of this chapter, we’ll get re-acquainted with this function, and
further examine some graph characteristics.
Visit math30-1edge.com for solutions
1 Complete the table of values below to all warm-ups and class examples

0 0 =0
1
4
(0, 0)
9
16
1
2 Plot the points above to sketch the graph of . Label the graph .

3 State the domain and range of the function.

Domain Range

4 Use transformations to sketch the graph of 9 on the same grid above. Label it .
0, 0 →
1, 1 →
4, 2 →
9, 3 →
16, 4 →

5 Algebraically determine the domain of , by setting what’s

under the square root sign greater than or equal to zero.

6 Algebraically confirm the -intercept of , by

setting the value of to zero and evaluating.

7 Algebraically confirm the -intercept of , by

setting the value of to zero and solving.

Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved Page |239

4.1 The Radical Function

The basic radical function is : 16, 4

The shape is a half-parabola (sideways) 9, 3
Recall – it’s the inverse of # ; 0 4, 2
1, 1
The domain is restricted as we cannot square 0, 0
root negative numbers. D: | 0 ; ∈ ℝ!
start
The range is defined by the starting point (which point
is the minimum). R: | 0 ; ∈ ℝ!
Using transformations, we can graph any radical function in the form % & ' (
We can also find graph characteristics (domain, range, and -intercepts) of functions in this form using
familiar methods shown in the example below.

Worked Use transformations to sketch the graph of 2 9 2. Then, use the equation of the
Example function to determine the domain, range, and and -intercepts.

Solution:  For the GRAPH - Construct a mapping rule

for transforming the basic graph of :
9, 2
, → 9, 2 2
0, 0 → 9, 2 2 Then transform key points* 8, 0
→ 9, 2 on
5, 2
1, 1 → 8, 0 0, 4
Plot each of these and connect as a
4, 2 → 5, 2 smooth “half-parabola” curve! 7, 6
9, 3 → 0, 4
16, 4 → 7, 6

* Use points on with integer coordinates … to do so chose perfect square -coordinates.

(Use = 0, 1, 4, 9, and 16 as these all have whole number square roots.)

 For the DOMAIN – We can’t square root negatives!  For the RANGE – Unlike with domain, we must
So set whatever’s under the square root sign consider the graph.
greater than or equal to zero. Specially, we note that compared to the basic graph:
2 9 2 – There’s been a vertical reflection
So graph opens down, range will have the
9 0
form ) -coord of “start point”
9
– There’s been a vertical translation 2 units up
Domain is: | , ∈ ℝ! So the -coord of start point is #
Range is: | )#, ∈ ℝ!
 For the -INTERCEPT – Set the to zero in
the equation and evaluate.
 For the -INTERCEPT – Set the to zero in the
2 9 2 equation and solve the resulting equation.
2 9 2 2 9 2
Now square both sides
2 3 2 2 2 9
+
4 1 + 9 1 9
1 9
-intercept is: , " 8
-intercept is: *,

Page |240 Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved

 Chapter 4 – Radical and Rational Functions

Class Example 4.11 Sketching the Graph of a Radical Function – and Analyzing Characteristics

For each of the functions given below, use transformations to construct a mapping rule and sketch the graph.
Then, use algebraic processes (as shown on the previous page) to determine the indicated graph characteristics.
Visit math30-1edge.com for solutions
to all warm-ups and class examples
(a) , - .

i Mapping Rule:

ii Domain:

iii Range:

iv -intercept:

v -intercept:
As an exact value, and to
the nearest hundredth

(b) / # * #

i Mapping:

ii Domain:

iii Range:

iv -int:

v -int:

Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved Page |241

4.1 The Radical Function

While we must be able to algebraically determine things like domain, range, and
intercepts….
We should also be familiar with how to verify using a graphing calculator!
Let’s consider the function # * #.

 For the domain and range, we need to consider the start point.
Use to confirm the start point.

We need to “guess” on the -coord. of the start point based on the graph,
and key in TRACE … “8” to confirm.
Gives domain
graph opens left We can now see that the domain is: | ) *, ∈ ℝ!
so use ) Gives range
And the range is: | #, ∈ ℝ!

 For the -intercept, we again use and  For the -intercept, we find the zero,
set to zero. which is in the CALC menu. (2nd + TRACE)

So the -intercept Left Bound,

click here
is , # Right
Bound

So the -int.
is .,

Class Example 4.12 Analyzing Characteristics of a Radical Function

Use an algebraic process to find the indicated characteristics for the function 3 0.5 9 12 . Verify graphically.

i Domain:

ii Range:

iii -int:

iv -int:

Page |242 Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved

 Chapter 4 – Radical and Rational Functions

Worked Given the function graphed on the right, determine

Example an equation in the form 1 ℎ 3.

Solution:  The values of ℎ, 3 are given by the start point.

Here, the graph “starts” at 4, 1
So our equation is:
1 4 1

 Next, substitute in the coordinates of any other point on the graph to solve for “1”
Choose a point with identifiable (integer) coordinates, such as 0, 7 .

4 1 4 1 We’ve now determined ℎ, 3, and 1. So our equation is:

6 1 4 6/2 1 % , , " 6

Verify your equation on your graphing calculator.

 Be sure to match the window in your calc with what was given.
 Verify using TRACE. Here we’ve confirmed the point 5, 10 is on the graph.

Class Example 4.13 Analyzing Characteristics of a Radical Function

Each of the following graphs represents a radical function. All points marked () have integer coordinates.
Determine an equation for each, in the form stated.
(a) In the form 1 ℎ 3 (b) In the form 7 ℎ 3

Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved Page |243

 4.1 Practice Questions

1. For each of the functions given below, use transformations to construct a mapping rule for transformation
from the basic graph and sketch the graph. Then, use algebraic processes to determine the indicated
graph characteristics.
6
(a) 6. 6
#

i Mapping Rule:

ii Domain:

iii Range:

iv -intercept:

v -intercept:

(b) / , 6

i Mapping Rule:

ii Domain:

iii Range:

iv -intercept:
As an exact value
v -intercept:

(c) ( # " 6

i Mapping Rule:

ii Domain:

iii Range:

iv -intercept:
v -intercept:

Page |244 Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved

 Chapter 4 – Radical and Rational Functions

2. For each of the radical functions below, use algebraic processes to determine the indicated graph
characteristics.
(a) , #

i Domain:

i Range:

iii -intercept:
Exact value
iv -intercept:

(b) # " .

i Domain:

ii Range:

iii -intercept:

iv -intercept:
Exact value

(c) # , . 6#

i Domain:

ii Range:

iii -intercept:

iv -intercept:

Answers to practice questions on previous page

1 ii | 6. , ∈ ℝ!
1. (a) i , → 16 , 1
2 20, 2
0, 1 iii | 6, ∈ ℝ!
12 , 0
0, 0 → 16 , 1
iv 6#,
1
1, 1 → 6 16 , 6 1 16, 1 v ,6
2
→ 15, 0.5 And so on…
1
(b) i , → 3, 1 (c) i , → 4, 2 1
3 /
ii | )3, ∈ ℝ! ii | 4, ∈ ℝ! 4, 1
9 ,5 0, 2
iii | 1, ∈ ℝ! 8/3, 0 iii | ) 1, ∈ ℝ!
15 0, 3
iv 8/3, 0 iv 15/4, 0 ,0 5, 5
3, 1 4
v 0, 2 v 0, 3
(

Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved Page |245

4.1 The Radical Function

3. For the radical function below, use algebraic processes to determine the indicated characteristics.

.- 6

ii Domain:

iii Range:

iv -intercept:

v -intercept:

4. Consider the range of the radical function % # & 8, where 1, 7, 9 ∈ :, 1 ≠ 0.

Provide two possible versions of the range and provide conditions for each.

5. Provide a possible radical function that satisfies the conditions in each of the following:
(a) The domain is [ 4, ∞ (b) The domain is ∞, 1] (c) The domain is ∞, 0]
and the range is ∞, 0] and the range is ∞, 5] and the range is [2, ∞

Answers to practice questions on previous page

2. (a) i | 9 , ∈ ℝ! (b) i | )4, ∈ ℝ! (c) i | 2, ∈ ℝ!
ii | ) 2, ∈ ℝ! ii | ) 6, ∈ ℝ! ii | 12, ∈ ℝ!
iii 77/9, 0 iv 0, 7 iii 14, 0 iv 0, 8 6 iii 14, 0 iv no y-intercept

Page |246 Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved

 Chapter 4 – Radical and Rational Functions

6. Each of the following graphs represents a radical function. All points marked () have integer coordinates.
Determine an equation for each, in the form stated.
(a) In the form 7 ℎ 3 (b) In the form 1 ℎ 3

7. The graph of the radical function shown below has an equation that can be written 1 ℎ 3.

NR The value of 1 for the equation, correct to the nearest tenth, is ____.
 Exam
Style

8. An expression representing the zero of the function # % & is:

+
 Exam A. 7 1
Style 4
1+
B. 7
4
7
C. 1
2
1
D. 7
2

Answers to practice questions on previous page

3. i | 9, ∈ ℝ! ii | 1, ∈ ℝ! iii 5,0 iv 0 , 0.5
4. If % < , range is )9, ∈ ℝ! If % > , range is 9, ∈ ℝ!
5. (a) A possible function: " (b) A possible function: (c) A possible function:
Note: “1” can be any non-zero value, such as 3 4 6 - #

Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved Page |247

4.1 The Radical Function

9. An expression representing the -intercept of the function % & # 8 ; 1 ≠ 0 , 7 ≠ 0, is:

 Exam
Style
A. 27 1 9

B. 21 9

C. 21 9
D. 217 9

10. An expression representing the domain of the function % # & 8 ; 1 ≠ 0, is:

9 ⁄1 , ∈ ℝ!
 Exam
Style
A.

B. 7/2, ∈ ℝ!

C. 1/9, ∈ ℝ!
D. 2 ⁄7 , ∈ ℝ!

17
11. The graph of 4 5 3 has a -intercept at C, 0 , where the simplest fraction form of C is .
9B
NR The values of 1, 7, 9, and B are, respectively, ____, ____, ____, and ____.
 Exam
Style

Answers to practice questions on previous page and this page

6. (a) , - 6 (b) # 6 - 7. 0.5 8. A

9. B 10. B 11. 8916

Page |248 Copyright © RTD Learning 2020 – all rights reserved