Name: polynomial, rational, and radical functions
Uploaded: 2025-11-26T05:44:13.000Z
Duration: 1 min 26 s
Channel: JoVE

Functions are mathematical tools that describe how quantities change and relate to one another.Some of the most common functions are algebraic functions, which are built using basic arithmetic operations.Algebraic functions include polynomial, rational, and radical forms. Polynomial functions may be linear or nonlinear, depending on their degree.Linear functions describe constant change and are visualized as straight lines on a graph.For example, a delivery truck moving at a constant speed models a linear relationship between time and distance traveled.Nonlinear functions, such as quadratics and higher-degree polynomials, reflect varying rates of change.For example, the volume of a cube is modeled by a trinomial, where the output depends on the side length raised to the third power.Rational functions express ratios, such as dividing total cost by quantity to determine average cost.Radical functions involve square roots, cube roots, or higher roots. These are often used in geometry, such as calculating the diagonal of a square room.

types of functions i

Functions are fundamental mathematical tools that capture relationships between variables and describe how one quantity changes in relation to another. Their diverse forms allow them to model various real-world phenomena with precision and flexibility. Among the various categories, algebraic functions are prominent due to their formulation through basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and root extraction.Algebraic functions include polynomial, rational, and radical functions, each with distinctive characteristics. Polynomial functions are expressions involving variables raised to non-negative integer powers and are categorized by their degree.Linear functions, the simplest polynomial form, exhibit constant rates of change and are graphed as straight lines, while nonlinear functions, including quadratics:&#160;<figure class='image image-style-align-center image_resized' style='display:table;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:62.73%;'><img style='aspect-ratio:1920/120;' src='https://cloudfront.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/40045/40045_Equation_1_1__editor_40045.svg' alt='40045_Equation_1_1_.svg' /></figure>capture variable rates of change and are used in modeling phenomena such as projectile motion, where the path of an object traces a parabolic curve.Rational functions, defined as ratios of polynomials (e.g., f(x)=P(x)/Q(x)), are used in modeling scenarios like average cost or rates of change, where the denominator represents constraints or limiting factors.Radical functions involving roots (e.g., f(x)=x ) are prevalent in geometric contexts, such as calculating diagonal lengths or distances using the Pythagorean theorem.

Types of Functions I

Functions are fundamental mathematical tools that capture relationships between variables and describe how one quantity changes in relation to another. ...

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JoVE Core

Math Fundamentals

Unit

Functions and Their Graphs

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

polynomial, rational, and radical functions

Functions describe how one quantity changes in relation to another. They are key math tools for showing relationships between variables. Because functions can model real-world patterns, they are used across many types of problems.

Algebraic functions are built from basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and root extraction. The main algebraic types are polynomial, rational, and radical functions. Each one has its own form and use.

Polynomial functions use variables raised to non-negative integer powers. They are grouped by degree, which helps describe their behavior. Linear functions are the simplest polynomial form. They have a constant rate of change and graph as straight lines. Nonlinear functions, including quadratics, have a changing rate of change. Quadratic functions are useful for modeling projectile motion, where the path of an object forms a parabola.

Rational functions are ratios of polynomials, such as f(x)=P(x)/Q(x). They often model situations like average cost or rates of change. In these cases, the denominator can represent a limit or constraint. Radical functions include roots, such as f(x)=x. They appear in geometry, including finding diagonal lengths or distances with the Pythagorean theorem.

Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Functions

polynomial-rational-and-radical-functions

introduction to functions

Functions in Tables, Graphs, and Formulas

Functions describe input-output relationships that follow a clear rule. In a function, each input matches one corresponding output. This makes functions useful for showing how quantities change and for making predictions in math and science. A parking garage fee system is one common example. The input is the number of non-negative hours a car stays inside. Negative time does not make sense in this setting. The total cost starts with a flat entry charge and then rises by a steady hourly rate,...

Functions describe how one quantity changes in relation to another. They are key math tools for showing relationships between variables. Because functions can model real-world patterns, they are used across many types of problems. Algebraic functions are built from basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and root extraction. The main algebraic types are polynomial, rational, and radical functions. Each one has its own form and use. Polynomial functions use...

types of functions ii

Sine, Cosine, and Exponential Models

Trigonometric and exponential functions help model two major patterns in science and math: repeating cycles and fast growth or decay. These functions extend basic algebra by describing behavior that changes in ways a straight line cannot. They are useful in many real-world settings, especially in science and engineering. Trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine are best for periodic phenomena, which means patterns that repeat over and over. Their smooth curves continue for all real...

types of functions iii

Logarithmic and Piecewise Functions

Logarithmic and piecewise functions help model real-world situations in different ways. A logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function. Its graph rises quickly for small x values and then flattens as x gets larger. This makes logarithms useful when data spans several orders of magnitude. Logarithmic scales compress large ranges into compact numbers. One common example is the pH scale in chemistry. It is written as pH = −log10[H+], where [H+] is the hydrogen ion concentration.

rules for defining functions

How to Tell If a Relation Is a Function

A relation is a function when each input x has exactly one output y. This rule helps students decide whether an equation, graph, or table represents a function. The equation y = 2x + 5 is a function because every x-value gives one unique y-value. But x = y^2 + 1 is not a function of x. When x = 2, for example, the equation gives two possible y-values: y = 1 and y = -1. Graphs can be checked with the vertical line test. If a vertical line crosses a curve more than once, the graph fails the...

piecewise-deﬁned functions

Graphing Piecewise Function Intervals

Piecewise defined functions use different rules over different parts of the domain. Each rule applies to a specific interval, so one function can change its behavior when the input changes. These functions are useful for modeling systems that do not stay the same across all input values. A piecewise function can combine more than one expression and still count as a single function. For example, one rule may be linear for inputs less than or equal to -1. Another rule may be quadratic for values...

graphs of functions

Function Graphs and Their Shapes

Function graphs show how output values change when input values change. Each point on the graph is an ordered pair. The x-coordinate is the independent variable, and it sets the horizontal position. The y-coordinate is the dependent variable, and it sets the vertical position. Linear functions such as y = x make a straight line. This shape shows a constant rate of change. Nonlinear functions behave differently and can curve in more complex ways. Even power functions form U-shaped curves.

decreasing function

How to Identify a Decreasing Function

A decreasing function shows a drop in output as the input increases. If one input value is larger than another, the function gives a smaller output. For an interval I, a function f is decreasing when x1 f(x2) for every pair of values in that interval. On a graph, a decreasing function slopes downward from left to right. The same idea can be checked with rate of change. For discrete points, the average rate of change is the change in output divided by the change in input. When that value is...

increasing function

Intervals Where a Function Rises

A function can rise as its input values increase. This pattern is called an increasing function. On a graph, it appears as a line or curve that slopes upward from left to right. An increasing function follows a clear rule. If x1 is less than x2, then f(x1) is less than f(x2). In other words, larger inputs give larger output values. This idea helps describe growth in situations such as population dynamics, financial investments, and resource consumption. The average rate of change shows how...

transformations of functions i

Shifting Function Graphs on the Plane

Shifting function graphs changes their position on the coordinate plane without changing their overall shape. These transformations help move a graph while keeping its pattern and structure the same. Shifting is one of the most common graph transformations. When a constant is added to or subtracted from the output of a function, the graph shifts vertically. A positive change moves the graph upward. A negative change moves it downward. This is like raising or lowering the height of a telescopic...

transformations of functions ii

Horizontal Shifts in Function Graphs

Horizontal shifts move a function’s graph left or right without changing its shape. In this type of transformation, the input variable x is replaced inside the equation. The graph keeps the same overall structure, but its position on the x-axis changes. A shift to the left happens when x is replaced by x + c, where c is a constant. The outputs then appear after a smaller input value, so the graph moves left by c units. A shift to the right happens when x is replaced by x - c. In that case, the...

transformations of functions iii

Graph Reflections and Stretching

Function graphs can be changed without altering their basic shape. These transformations include reflections, vertical stretching, and horizontal compression. They help show how a function changes on a graph while keeping its fundamental form. A reflection flips a graph across an axis. When every output value is multiplied by negative one, the graph mirrors over the horizontal axis. This reverses peaks and troughs, much like signal inversion in electrical systems, where a waveform is flipped...

combining functions

Function Operations and Domain Rules

Functions can be combined to make new mathematical models that describe how variables interact. These combinations help explain relationships between changing quantities and often appear in science and engineering. The main methods are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition, and each one changes the result in a different way. When two functions are added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided, the new function can only use inputs that work for both original functions. In...

introduction to one-to-one functions

Graphing One-to-One Functions and Inverses

One-to-one functions pair each input with a unique output. That means two different values in the domain do not produce the same value in the range. In notation, this is written as f(x1) ≠ f(x2) whenever x1 ≠ x2. The Horizontal Line Test helps identify a one-to-one function from its graph. If no horizontal line crosses the graph at more than one point, the function is one-to-one. A quadratic function such as f(x) = x2 does not meet this condition over its full domain because x = 1 and x = -1...

key terms and concepts

Explore polynomial, rational, and radical functions, including linear and quadratic forms, and see how they model motion, cost, distance, and geometry.

Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Functions | JoVE K12

The JoVE Math Fundamentals collection is designed to build a deep and comprehensive understanding of essential mathematics. Covering the foundations of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and analytic reasoning, this course establishes a strong base for future studies. The collection connects core mathematical concepts with real-world practice, equipping learners to solve complex problems, master problem-solving skills, and apply abstract ideas.

math fundamentals

Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Functions

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