Math Problem Statement

If f(x) = {3x - 4 if -3 ≤ x ≤ 4, x^3 - 4 if 4 < x ≤ 5}, find: (a) f(0), (b) f(1), (c) f(4), and (d) f(5).

Solution

The function f(x)f(x) is defined as follows:

  • f(x)=3x4f(x) = 3x - 4 for 3x43 \leq x \leq 4
  • f(x)=x34f(x) = x^3 - 4 for 4<x54 < x \leq 5

Let's calculate f(0)f(0), f(1)f(1), f(4)f(4), and f(5)f(5):

  1. f(0)f(0): Since 00 is less than 33, and there's no definition provided for f(x)f(x) when x<3x < 3, f(0)f(0) is undefined.
  2. f(1)f(1): Similarly, 11 is also less than 33, so f(1)f(1) is also undefined.
  3. f(4)f(4): For x=4x = 4, we use the function f(x)=3x4f(x) = 3x - 4 because xx exactly equals 44 and this interval is inclusive. Thus: f(4)=3(4)4=124=8f(4) = 3(4) - 4 = 12 - 4 = 8
  4. f(5)f(5): For x=5x = 5, we use the function f(x)=x34f(x) = x^3 - 4 because xx falls within the interval 4<x54 < x \leq 5. Thus: f(5)=534=1254=121f(5) = 5^3 - 4 = 125 - 4 = 121

Summary:

  • f(0)f(0) is undefined
  • f(1)f(1) is undefined
  • f(4)=8f(4) = 8
  • f(5)=121f(5) = 121

Do you have any other questions or need further details on this problem? Here are some follow-up topics we can explore:

  1. What would f(x)f(x) be if x=3x = 3?
  2. How would f(x)f(x) change if xx were slightly above 44, like 4.014.01?
  3. Can we graph the function f(x)f(x) to visually understand the values across different intervals?
  4. How does the discontinuity between the piecewise segments at x=4x = 4 affect the function graphically?
  5. What's the general approach to solving piecewise functions like this one?

Tip: When dealing with piecewise functions, always pay close attention to the intervals and their boundaries to determine which expression to use.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Algebra

Formulas

f(x) = 3x - 4 for -3 ≤ x ≤ 4
f(x) = x^3 - 4 for 4 < x ≤ 5

Theorems

Piecewise function evaluation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12