Math Problem Statement

Express the function graphed on the axes as a piecewise function.

Solution

The graph in your image shows two distinct parts, which suggest a piecewise function. Let's break it down to express this function:

  1. Left segment: This appears to be a horizontal line from x=9x = -9 to x=2x = 2. The line has a constant value at y=0y = 0, except at x=2x = 2, where there's an open circle, meaning the function does not include the point (2,0)(2, 0).

  2. Right segment: Starting at x=2x = 2, the graph shows a line with a positive slope, moving upwards. The segment begins at (2,3)(2, -3) and passes through points like (4,0)(4, 0) and (6,3)(6, 3), indicating a linear relationship.

Equation for the Piecewise Function:

  1. For x[9,2)x \in [-9, 2), the function is constant at y=0y = 0. Hence: f(x)=0for9x<2f(x) = 0 \quad \text{for} \quad -9 \leq x < 2

  2. For x2x \geq 2, the function follows a linear equation. To find the slope, use the points (2,3)(2, -3) and (6,3)(6, 3). The slope mm is calculated as: m=3(3)62=64=32m = \frac{3 - (-3)}{6 - 2} = \frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2} Now, use the point-slope form of a line: y(3)=32(x2)y - (-3) = \frac{3}{2}(x - 2) Simplifying this gives: f(x)=32(x2)3forx2f(x) = \frac{3}{2}(x - 2) - 3 \quad \text{for} \quad x \geq 2

Complete Piecewise Function:

\begin{cases} 0 & \text{for} \quad -9 \leq x < 2 \\ \frac{3}{2}(x - 2) - 3 & \text{for} \quad x \geq 2 \end{cases}$$ Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to explore: 1. How do you find the slope of a line between two points? 2. What is the significance of the open circle at $$x = 2$$? 3. How can you graph a piecewise function from its algebraic expression? 4. What other types of functions can be expressed as piecewise functions? 5. How do we handle discontinuities in piecewise functions? **Tip**: Always double-check which points are included in a piecewise function by looking for open or closed circles on the graph!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Linear Equations
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

y = mx + b (slope-intercept form of a line)
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Slope calculation: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Slope Formula
Point-Slope Form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12