## srw1496 What's a "power function"? one year ago one year ago

1. some_someone

A function of the form n^x, where n is a constant and x is a variable. a power function is a function of the form f(x) = cxa, where c and a are constant real numbers and x is a variable. Power functions are a special case of power law relationships, which appear throughout mathematics and statistics.

2. srw1496

okay, so on my hw I'm asked about the equation y=1/4x^05. Would that be considered a power function?

3. Outkast3r09

$\frac{1}{4}x^5$ is a power function

4. srw1496

okay, I still don't totally understand what a power function is, like what's the difference between them and normal functions?

5. timo86m

there is no such thing as normal function. Unless you mean a polynomial by normal.

6. srw1496

thats what i meant...i think lol

7. timo86m

In mathematics, a power function is a function of the form f(x) = cx^a, where c and a are constant real numbers and x is a variable.

8. timo86m

y=1/4x^05 is a power function

9. timo86m

I guess difference is the location of the x x^n is power function n^x is exponential function x^2 is a case where n=2 then it is a quadratic function x^1 is a case where n=1 and is a linear function x^(1/2) is a case where n=1/2 and is a sqrt function

10. srw1496

ohhhh okay, i kinda understand that now lol so y=1/4x^05 is a power function because 1/4 and 05 are constant real numbers....right? sorry i have to explain this question too.

11. timo86m

Yes that is exactly why it is a power function.

12. srw1496

okay cool, thanks (:

13. timo86m

thanks for medal :)

14. srw1496

np (: