In my textbook, it says that
an irrational algebraic function is a function in which the independent variables appear under a radical sign or in a power with a rational number for its exponent.
I understand the variable should be under the square root.
However, I wasn't sure about it being to the power of a rational number.
One example would be $x^{\frac{1}{2}}$. However, $x^2$ would work because the power is a rational number, but isn't it considered a quadratic?
Could someone please explain this to me?
Thank you very much.