Prentice Hall Algebra 1

Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises

A Practice

See Problem 1.

The cost C, in dollars, for pencils is a function of the number n of pencils purchased. The length L of a pencil, in inches, is a function of the time t, in seconds, it has been sharpened. Graph the function shown by each table below. Tell whether the function is linear or nonlinear.

  1. Pencil Cost
    Number of Pencils, n 6 12 18 24 30
    Cost, C $1 $2 $3 $4 $5
  2. Pencil Sharpening
    Time (s), t 0 3 6 9 12 15
    Length (in.), L 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.4 7.3

Graph the function shown by each table. Tell whether the function is linear or nonlinear.

  1. x y
    0 5
    1 5
    2 5
    3 5
  2. x y
    0 negative 4
    1 negative 3
    2 0
    3 5
  3. x y
    0 0
    1 1
    2 negative 5
    3 8
  4. x y
    0 0
    1 3
    2 6
    3 9

    See Problem 2.

  5. For the diagram below, the table gives the total number of small triangles y in figure number x. What pattern can you use to complete the table? Represent the relationship using words, an equation, and a graph.

    3 sets of triangles are shown. Each large triangle is divided into 3 smaller triangles. Figure 1 consists of 1 large triangle. Figure 2 consists of 4 large triangles. Figure 3 consists of 9 large triangles.

    Figure Number, x Total Small Triangles, y Ordered Pair (x, y)
    1 3 (1, 3)
    2 12 (2, 12)
    3 27 (3, 27)
    4 white square white square
    5 white square white square

See Problem 3.

Each set of ordered pairs represents a function. Write a rule that represents the function.

  1. (0, 0), (1, 4), (2, 16), (3, 36), (4, 64)
  2. open . 1 comma , 2 thirds . close . comma . open . 2 comma , 4 ninths . close . comma . open . 3 comma , 8 twenty sevenths . close . comma . open . 4 comma , 16 over 81 . close . comma . open . 5 comma , 32 over 243 . close
  3. (1, 2), (2, 16), (3, 54), (4, 128), (5, 250)
  4. (0, 0), (1, 0.5), (2, 2), (3, 4.5), (4, 8)

B Apply

  1. Writing The rule v equals , 4 thirds , pi , r cubed  gives the volume V of a sphere as a function of its radius r. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this relationship. Explain your reasoning.
  2. Open-Ended Write a rule for a nonlinear function such that y is negative when x = 1, positive when x = 2, negative when x = 3, positive when x = 4, and so on.

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Table of Contents

Prentice Hall Algebra 1 Chapter 1 Foundations for Algebra Chapter 2 Solving Equations Chapter 3 Solving Inequalities Chapter 4 An Introduction to Functions Chapter 5 Linear Functions Chapter 6 Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 7 Exponents and Exponential Functions Chapter 8 Polynomials and Factoring Chapter 9 Quadratic Functions and Equations Chapter 10 Radical Expressions and Equations Chapter 11 Rational Expressions and Functions Chapter 12 Data Analysis and Probability Skills Handbook Reference Visual Glossary Selected Answers Index Acknowledgments