Math Problem Statement

Complete the description of the piecewise function graphed below.

Solution

In the image you provided, the graph shows a piecewise function consisting of three distinct sections. We need to describe the piecewise function f(x)f(x) based on the given graph.

Analyzing the graph:

  1. First interval (for x<3x < -3): There is a horizontal line at y=3y = -3 between x=6x = -6 and x=3x = -3, excluding x=3x = -3.
  2. Second interval (for 3x<2-3 \leq x < 2): There is a horizontal line at y=2y = 2 between x=3x = -3 and x=2x = 2, including x=3x = -3 but excluding x=2x = 2.
  3. Third interval (for x2x \geq 2): There is a horizontal line at y=4y = 4 starting at x=2x = 2 and continuing for larger values of xx, including x=2x = 2.

Writing the piecewise function:

We can describe this as:

\begin{cases} -3 & \text{if } x < -3, \\ 2 & \text{if } -3 \leq x < 2, \\ 4 & \text{if } x \geq 2. \end{cases}$$ ### Explanation of each interval: - For $$x < -3$$, the graph is at $$y = -3$$, and the function excludes $$x = -3$$ (open circle at $$x = -3$$). - For $$-3 \leq x < 2$$, the graph is at $$y = 2$$, and the function includes $$x = -3$$ (closed circle) but excludes $$x = 2$$ (open circle at $$x = 2$$). - For $$x \geq 2$$, the graph is at $$y = 4$$, and the function includes $$x = 2$$ (closed circle) and continues for all $$x > 2$$. Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are 5 related questions to expand on this: 1. How would you write the piecewise function if the intervals were non-continuous? 2. Can piecewise functions have non-constant expressions for each interval? 3. How do you determine whether to include or exclude endpoints in piecewise functions? 4. How does the graph of a piecewise function change if the intervals overlap? 5. What real-life situations can be modeled using piecewise functions? **Tip:** When working with piecewise functions, carefully note whether each endpoint is included or excluded by looking at the open or closed circles on the graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Graphing
Intervals
Function Notation

Formulas

Piecewise function f(x)
Interval notation for defining functions

Theorems

Piecewise function theorem
Interval endpoint inclusion/exclusion rules

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12