Determine the intervals of the domain over which each function is continuous. See Example 1.
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- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
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- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
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3. Functions
Intro to Functions & Their Graphs
Problem 25
Textbook Question
Graph each piecewise-defined function. See Example 2. ƒ(x)={-3 if x≤1, -1 if x>1

Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the two pieces of the piecewise function: \(f(x) = 5\) when \(x \leq 2\) and \(f(x) = 2\) when \(x > 2\).
For the first piece, draw a horizontal line at \(y = 5\) for all \(x\) values less than or equal to 2. Include a solid dot at the point \((2, 5)\) to indicate that this point is included.
For the second piece, draw a horizontal line at \(y = 2\) for all \(x\) values greater than 2. Use an open circle at the point \((2, 2)\) to show that this point is not included in this piece.
Label the axes and mark the point \(x = 2\) clearly to show where the function changes its value.
Review the graph to ensure the function is constant at \$5\( up to and including \)x=2\(, then jumps to \)2\( for values greater than \)2$, reflecting the piecewise definition.
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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 different expressions depending on the input value's domain. Each piece applies to a specific interval, and the function's value changes according to these conditions. Understanding how to interpret and graph these pieces is essential.
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Domain Restrictions of Composed Functions
Domain and Inequality Notation
The domain specifies the set of input values for which each piece of the function applies, often expressed using inequalities like ≤ or >. Correctly identifying these intervals ensures accurate graphing and evaluation of the function at boundary points.
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Interval Notation
Graphing Constant Functions
When a function outputs a constant value over an interval, its graph is a horizontal line segment at that value. For piecewise functions with constant pieces, graphing involves drawing horizontal lines over the specified domains and marking endpoints based on inequality types.
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Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
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