Welch Teaching & Coaching
Trigonometry • College Preparatory Mathematics

Unit 5: Irrational Functions

Strengthen radical and rational-exponent skills, work with complex numbers, and solve radical equations and applications.

U5
Unit Road Map

Lesson Map

Use this table as your route through the unit. Lesson numbers jump directly to the matching explanation.

LessonTopicYou should be able to…
5.1Graphing Irrational FunctionsAnalyze square-root and related radical graphs.
5.2Simplifying RadicalsSimplify radicals and add/subtract like radicals.
5.3Multiplying & Dividing RadicalsMultiply radicals and rationalize denominators.
5.4Complex NumbersUse i to represent and calculate with square roots of negative numbers.
5.5Rational ExponentsMove between radical notation and rational exponents.
5.6Radical EquationsIsolate radicals, raise powers carefully, and check for extraneous solutions.
5.7Exponent ApplicationsUse integer and non-integer exponents in contextual models.
Navigation

How the Unit Is Built

Each resource below is part of the same learning cycle. Select a card to jump to it.

Learn

Content Summary

Work through these lessons in order. Focus on the meaning of the mathematics, the decision that selects a method, and a check that confirms the result.

Lesson 5.1

Graphing Irrational Functions

Analyze square-root and related radical graphs.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Lesson 5.2

Simplifying Radicals

Simplify radicals and add/subtract like radicals.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Lesson 5.3

Multiplying & Dividing Radicals

Multiply radicals and rationalize denominators.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Lesson 5.4

Complex Numbers

Use i to represent and calculate with square roots of negative numbers.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Lesson 5.5

Rational Exponents

Move between radical notation and rational exponents.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Lesson 5.6

Radical Equations

Isolate radicals, raise powers carefully, and check for extraneous solutions.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Lesson 5.7

Exponent Applications

Use integer and non-integer exponents in contextual models.

What to understand: Explain what the method is doing, not only which buttons or steps produce an answer.
Check: Ask whether the sign, size, units, quadrant, restrictions, or graph behavior make sense before accepting the result.
Watch & Reinforce

Video Library

These links open focused video searches by lesson topic. Use them as reinforcement rather than as a substitute for showing your own reasoning.

Lesson 5.1

Graphing Irrational Functions

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Lesson 5.2

Simplifying Radicals

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Lesson 5.3

Multiplying & Dividing Radicals

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Lesson 5.4

Complex Numbers

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Lesson 5.5

Rational Exponents

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Lesson 5.6

Radical Equations

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Lesson 5.7

Exponent Applications

Use a short lesson after reading the website explanation, then return to the practice.

Find a matching video →
Language

Vocabulary

These terms should appear naturally in explanations, diagrams, and written reasoning.

radical
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
radicand
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
index
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
rational exponent
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
irrational number
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
complex number
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
imaginary unit
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
conjugate
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
extraneous solution
Write a definition in your own words and add an example or sketch in your STRIDES notes.
Practice

Sample Problems

Try each problem before opening the solution. The examples are original practice aligned to the unit skills.

1

Simplify

Simplify √72.
Show solution
√72=√(36·2)=6√2.
2

Combine

Simplify 3√5+7√5−2√5.
Show solution
8√5.
3

Rationalize

Simplify 5/√3.
Show solution
5√3/3.
4

Complex number

Simplify √(−49).
Show solution
7i.
5

Rational exponent

Rewrite x^(3/2) in radical form.
Show solution
√(x³), equivalently x√x when appropriate.
6

Radical equation

Solve √(x+5)=x−1.
Show solution
Square: x+5=(x−1)² → x²−3x−4=0 → x=4 or −1. Check: only x=4 works.
Reference

Equations & Rules

Know what each relationship means and when it applies; do not treat the box as a list of disconnected formulas.

Radical Product
√a · √b = √(ab) when defined in the real numbers
Rational Exponent
a^(m/n)=ⁿ√(a^m)
Imaginary Unit
i²=−1
Conjugates
(a+b√c)(a−b√c)=a²−b²c
Radical Equations
Isolate → power both sides → solve → check
Prepare

Review Guide

Skill Checklist

  • I can analyze square-root and related radical graphs.
  • I can simplify radicals and add/subtract like radicals.
  • I can multiply radicals and rationalize denominators.
  • I can use i to represent and calculate with square roots of negative numbers.
  • I can move between radical notation and rational exponents.
  • I can isolate radicals, raise powers carefully, and check for extraneous solutions.
  • I can use integer and non-integer exponents in contextual models.

How to review

  1. Complete the unit Skills Check packet without notes.
  2. Mark the exact skill behind each error.
  3. Return to that lesson and complete a fresh example.
  4. Explain the correction in words, then retry a similar problem.
  5. Finish with mixed practice so you must choose the method yourself.
Apply

Performance Task

Scaling With Non-Integer Exponents

Investigate a physical or geometric relationship involving roots or fractional powers. Build a table, graph the relationship, and explain how the exponent changes growth.

Evidence to include

A labeled mathematical model, organized calculations, appropriate units and precision, a written interpretation, and a check or discussion of limitations.