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Glossary |
We have already briefly examined power functions, such as x2, x3, and x1/2, when we first discussed graphing. In this part of the text, we will expand our experience with such functions by examining higher powers, such as x10, and combinations of powers, such as x3 - 2x2 + 4x + 7. Such a combination of integer power functions is called a polynomial. This will naturally lead us to consider quotients of polynomials, such as (x3 - 2x2 + 4x + 7)/(-x2 - x + 2), known as rational functions. Finally, we will examine the inverses of the power functions, known as radical functions. All of these functions are said to be algebraic since (unlike the exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric function) they can be defined by algebraic formulas.
Go to Polynomial Functions
| Table of Contents | Send questions or
comments to jwicks@northpark.edu |
Glossary |