Math Problem Statement

Use the graph of the function f to find approximations of the given values.

The x y-coordinate plane is given. A curve with 2 parts is graphed. The first part is linear, enters the window in the third quadrant, goes up and right, passes through the point (−15, −10), passes through the point (−10, −5), crosses the x-axis at x = −5, crosses the y-axis at y = 5, and ends at the open point (5, 10). The second part is a curve, begins at the closed point (5, −15), goes up and right becoming more steep, passes through the point (10, 0), goes up and right becoming less steep, passes through the point (15, 15), changes direction at the approximate point (16.8, 16.5), goes down and right becoming more steep, and exits the window in the first quadrant. (a) f(−5) (b) f(5) (c) f(15) (d) f(15) − f(5) 15 − 5

Solution

Let's interpret the graph based on the given description and find approximate values of the function f(x)f(x) for the specified points.

(a) f(5)f(-5)

From the description, we know that the first part of the graph is linear and crosses the x-axis at x=5x = -5. This means that: f(5)=0f(-5) = 0

(b) f(5)f(5)

At x=5x = 5, the function has two distinct parts. The first part ends at the open point (5,10)(5, 10), meaning that the value of f(5)f(5) is not defined as 10 due to the open point. The second part begins at the closed point (5,15)(5, -15), meaning: f(5)=15f(5) = -15

(c) f(15)f(15)

The second part of the curve passes through the point (15,15)(15, 15), so: f(15)=15f(15) = 15

(d) f(15)f(5)155\frac{f(15) - f(5)}{15 - 5}

Now, we calculate the difference quotient: f(15)f(5)155=15(15)155=15+1510=3010=3\frac{f(15) - f(5)}{15 - 5} = \frac{15 - (-15)}{15 - 5} = \frac{15 + 15}{10} = \frac{30}{10} = 3

Final Answers:

  • (a) f(5)=0f(-5) = 0
  • (b) f(5)=15f(5) = -15
  • (c) f(15)=15f(15) = 15
  • (d) f(15)f(5)155=3\frac{f(15) - f(5)}{15 - 5} = 3

Would you like more details on any of these steps or have any questions?

Here are 5 relative questions that expand on this topic:

  1. What is the significance of an open point on a graph in relation to function values?
  2. How would you determine if a function is continuous at a given point?
  3. Can you explain what the difference quotient represents in calculus?
  4. How can you find the slope of a line given two points on the graph?
  5. How does the graph of a function help determine limits at particular points?

Tip: When interpreting graphs, always pay attention to open and closed points, as they indicate whether the function is defined at those values.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Function Graph Interpretation
Linear Functions
Difference Quotient

Formulas

f(15) - f(5) / 15 - 5

Theorems

Linear Function Properties
Difference Quotient Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12