Determine the intervals of the domain over which each function is continuous. See Example 1.
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- 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
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
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3. Functions
Intro to Functions & Their Graphs
Problem 23
Textbook Question
Graph each piecewise-defined function. See Example 2. ƒ(x)={4-x if x<2, 1+2x if x≥2

Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the two pieces of the piecewise function and their corresponding domains: \(f(x) = x + 5\) for \(x \leq 3\) and \(f(x) = 14 - 3x\) for \(x > 3\).
Graph the first piece \(f(x) = x + 5\) for all \(x\) values less than or equal to 3. This is a linear function with slope 1 and y-intercept 5. Plot points for values of \(x\) less than or equal to 3 and draw a line through these points.
Graph the second piece \(f(x) = 14 - 3x\) for all \(x\) values greater than 3. This is a linear function with slope -3 and y-intercept 14. Plot points for values of \(x\) greater than 3 and draw a line through these points.
Check the value of the function at the boundary point \(x = 3\) for both pieces: calculate \(f(3)\) using the first piece and find the limit from the right using the second piece to understand if the graph is continuous or has a jump at \(x=3\).
Use an open circle at \(x=3\) on the second piece to indicate that this point is not included in that piece's domain, and a closed circle on the first piece at \(x=3\) to indicate that this point is included in the domain of the first piece.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Piecewise Functions
A piecewise function is defined by different expressions depending on the input value's interval. Understanding how to interpret and graph each piece separately is essential, as the function's rule changes at specified boundary points.
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Graphing Linear Functions
Each piece of the piecewise function is a linear function, which graphs as a straight line. Knowing how to plot lines using slope and intercept helps in accurately drawing each segment of the piecewise function.
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Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
Domain and Boundary Points
The domain restrictions (such as x ≤ 3 or x > 3) determine where each piece applies. Correctly identifying and marking boundary points, including whether to use open or closed dots, ensures the graph accurately represents the function.
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