Precalculus: Radical Functions

Students are introduced to the idea of a nomograph by investigating a simple radical function. Students observe the mapping as they enter different values for x or adjust the position of the input value using the up and down arrow keys.

Students will investigate two other radical functions, one involving a quadratic expression under the square root, using the nomograph calculator program. In the extension, students will graph as a scatter plot the input/output values collected during the investigation. They will compare the scatter plot to the graph of the function.