Graph each piecewise-defined function. See Example 2. ƒ(x)={2x+1 if x≥0, x if x<0
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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
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
3. Functions
Intro to Functions & Their Graphs
Problem 29
Textbook Question
Graph each piecewise-defined function. See Example 2. ƒ(x)={-(1/2)x^2+2 if x≤2, (1/2)x if x>2

Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the two pieces of the piecewise function and their respective domains: For \(x \leq 1\), the function is \(f(x) = x^{2} - 2\), and for \(x > 1\), the function is \(f(x) = 2x\).
Graph the first piece \(f(x) = x^{2} - 2\) for all \(x\) values less than or equal to 1. This is a parabola shifted down by 2 units. Plot several points including the point at \(x=1\) to see where the graph ends on this interval.
Graph the second piece \(f(x) = 2x\) for all \(x\) values greater than 1. This is a straight line with slope 2. Start plotting points just to the right of \(x=1\) to see how the graph continues.
Check the value of the function at the boundary \(x=1\) for both pieces: Calculate \(f(1)\) using the first piece to find the closed endpoint, and evaluate the limit from the right using the second piece to understand if the graph is continuous or has a jump at \(x=1\).
Combine the two graphs on the same coordinate plane, using a solid dot for the point where \(x=1\) on the first piece (since it includes \(x=1\)) and an open dot at \(x=1\) on the second piece (since it is defined for \(x > 1\) only). This completes the graph of the piecewise function.
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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, each applying to a specific interval of the domain. Understanding how to interpret and graph each piece separately is essential, as the function's rule changes at specified boundary points.
Recommended video:
Domain Restrictions of Composed Functions
Graphing Quadratic and Linear Functions
The function includes a quadratic expression (x² - 2) and a linear expression (2x). Knowing how to graph these basic functions individually—parabolas for quadratics and straight lines for linear functions—is crucial for accurately plotting each piece of the function.
Recommended video:
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
Domain Restrictions and Continuity
Each piece of the function is defined over a specific domain interval (x ≤ 1 and x > 1). Recognizing these domain restrictions helps determine where to plot each piece and whether the function is continuous or has jumps at the boundary points.
Recommended video:
Domain Restrictions of Composed Functions
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