Math Example--Special Functions--Square Root Functions in Tabular and Graph Form: Example 37

Topic

Radical Functions

Description

This example demonstrates the function y = -√(2x + 1) - 1. The graph shows a downward curve starting at (0, -2) and moving downward more steeply as x increases. A table lists x-values (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7) with corresponding y-values of -2, -2.732, -3.646, -4.317, and -4.873. Students are asked to create a table of x-y coordinates and graph the function.

This example builds on previous ones by introducing a coefficient inside the square root along with a constant term outside. It helps students understand how these factors affect the shape of the graph and its steepness. By comparing this function to y = -√(x + 1) - 1, students can visualize how different coefficients inside the square root influence the function's behavior.

Providing multiple examples with different coefficients is essential for developing a deep understanding of square root functions. Each example challenges students to apply what they've learned in new contexts while recognizing patterns between equations and their graphs.

Teacher's Script: Let's look at the function y = -√(2x + 1) - 1. How do you think this graph will compare to our previous example? We'll use x-values of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 again. Notice how the y-values decrease faster this time as we plot these points on our graph. Can anyone explain why this happens?

For a complete collection of math examples related to Radical Functions click on this link: Math Examples: Square Root Functions Collection.