Ch. 1 - Functions

Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook

Hass 15th Edition

Ch. 1 - Functions

Problem 1.1.31a

Chapter 1, Problem 1.1.31a

Piecewise-Defined Functions

Find a formula for each function graphed in Exercises 29–32.

a. <IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the different segments of the graph. A piecewise function is defined by different expressions over different intervals. Look at the graph and note where the function changes its behavior.

Determine the type of function for each segment. Common types include linear, quadratic, or constant functions. Analyze the graph to see if the segments are straight lines, curves, or flat lines.

Find the equations for each segment. For linear segments, use the slope-intercept form \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept. For quadratic segments, use the standard form \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \).

Specify the domain for each piece of the function. The domain is the interval over which each segment is valid. Use the x-values where the function changes to define these intervals.

Combine the equations and domains into a piecewise function. Write the function using the format: \( f(x) = \begin{cases} \text{expression 1,} & \text{if } \text{domain 1} \\ \text{expression 2,} & \text{if } \text{domain 2} \\ \end{cases} \).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Piecewise-Defined Functions

A piecewise-defined function is a function composed of multiple sub-functions, each of which applies to a specific interval of the domain. These functions are defined by different expressions based on the input value. Understanding how to interpret and construct these functions is crucial for analyzing graphs that change behavior at certain points.

Graph Interpretation

Graph interpretation involves analyzing a visual representation of a function to understand its behavior, such as identifying intervals, slopes, and points of discontinuity. This skill is essential for translating a graph into a piecewise-defined function, as it requires recognizing where the function changes and what expressions describe each segment.

Function Continuity and Discontinuity

Continuity in a function means that the graph is unbroken, while discontinuity indicates a jump, hole, or asymptote. Identifying these features in a graph is vital for writing piecewise functions, as they often dictate where one piece ends and another begins, and whether the function is defined at those transition points.

Recommended video:

05:34

Intro to Continuity

Related Practice

Textbook Question

In Exercises 19–32, find the (a) domain and (b) range.

𝔂 = 4 sin ( 1 )

293

views

Textbook Question

Composition of Functions

Let f(x) = x − 3, g(x) = √x, h(x) = x³, and j(x) = 2x. Express each of the functions in Exercises 11 and 12 as a composition involving one or more of f, g, h, and j.

a. y = 2x − 3

184

views

Textbook Question

In Exercises 19–32, find the (a) domain and (b) range.

________

𝔂 = 5 - √ x² - 2x - 3

334

views

Textbook Question

In Exercises 19–32, find the (a) domain and (b) range.

𝔂 = 2 + 3x² .