Topic 15 Radical Functions

15.1 Speed of a Tsunami

A tsunami is generally referred to is a series of waves on the ocean caused by earthquakes or other events that cause sudden displacements of large volumes of water. In ideal situation, the velocity \(v\) of a wave at where the water depth is \(d\) meters is approximately \[ v=\sqrt{9.8d}. \] The wave will slow down when closer to the coast but will be higher.

Suppose a tsunami was caused by earthquake somewhere 10000 meters away the coast of California. The depth of the water where the tsunami was generated is 5000 meter.

  • What’s the initial speed of the tsunami?
  • What’s the speed of the tsunami at where the water depth is 2000.
  • Suppose the speed wouldn’t decrease, how long it takes the tsunami reach the coast?

15.2 The Domain of a Radical Function

A radical function \(f\) is defined by an equation \(f(x)=\sqrt[n]{r(x)}\), where \(r(x)\) is an algebraic expression. For example \(f(x)=\sqrt{x+1}\). When \(n\) is odd number, \(r(x)\) can be any real number. When \(n\) is even, \(r(x)\) has to be nonnegative, that is \(r(x)\geq 0\) so that \(f(x)\) is a real number.

Example 15.1 Find the domain of the function \(f(x)=\sqrt{x+1}\).

Solution.

Since the index is \(2\) which is even, the function has real outputs only if the radicand \(x+1\geq 0\). Solve the inequality, we get \(x\geq -1\). In interval notation, the domain is \[ [-1,\infty). \]

15.3 Practice

Problem 15.1 Find the domain of each function. Write in interval notation.

  1. \(f(x)=1-\frac{2x}{x+3}\)
  2. \(f(x)=\frac{x-2}{x^2-4}\)
  3. \(f(x)=\sqrt{1-x^2}\)
  4. \(f(x)=-\sqrt{\frac{1}{x-5}}\)