Introduction

In this lesson, you will learn about graphing radical functions. A radical function is an equation that contains a square root with an expression under the square root. Before beginning this lesson, remember that y and f(x) have the same meaning and are used interchangeably. Also, remember all of your perfect square roots. Here is the list of perfect square roots for reference:

  • the square root of 1 equals 1
  • the square root of 4 equals 2
  • the square root of 9 equals 3
  • the square root of 16 equals 4
  • the square root of 25 equals 5
  • the square root of 36 equals 6
  • the square root of 49 equals 7
  • the square root of 64 equals 8
  • the square root of 81 equals 9
  • the square root of 100 equals 10

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Graph functions expressed symbolically, and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.
  • Graph square root functions.

Enduring Understandings

  • Graphs of functions that are inverses of each other are reflections across the line y = x.
  • Graphs are visual representations of solution sets of equations and inequalities.
  • There is a root that corresponds to every power.
  • Radical expressions may be combined using Properties of Real Numbers.
  • Characteristics of radical and rational exponent expression as well as their representations are useful in solving real-world problems.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Algebra II with Statistics standards: 15, 16, 30 and 30a.