algebraic function

noun1

1. •
   Informally, any function expressible using (only) the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and raising to a rational power; more precisely, any continuous function definable as the root of some polynomial equation.

   • Quite often, algebraic functions are algebraic expressions using a finite number of terms and involving only the algebraic operations addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and raising to a fractional power. Some algebraic functions, however, cannot be expressed by such finite expressions.
   • The value of an algebraic function at an algebraic number is always an algebraic number.