Math Problem Statement

Which of the following could be the function that generated the above graph? (Hint: Compare points on the graph to points of the function)

Solution

To determine which function could generate the graph, let’s analyze the pieces of each function provided. We’ll examine the conditions for each interval and whether the output values match the points and behavior of the graph:

  1. Observation of the Graph:

    • For x<3x < 3, the graph shows a curve that starts at a low point and increases until x=3x = 3.
    • Between 3x<63 \leq x < 6, the graph remains roughly flat or decreases and then stabilizes.
    • For x6x \geq 6, there’s a noticeable linear increase.
  2. Examination of Answer Choices:

    • We need a function that represents an increasing curve for x<3x < 3, a stable or decreasing function for 3x<63 \leq x < 6, and a linear increase for x6x \geq 6.

Checking Option 1:

-x + 12 & x < 3 \\ x^2 & 3 \leq x < 6 \\ 2x - 6 & 6 \leq x \end{cases}$$ - **For $$x < 3$$:** $$f(x) = -x + 12$$ is a linear decreasing function, which aligns with the curve that increases to $$x = 3$$ because $$12 - x$$ reaches a local high at $$x = 3$$. - **For $$3 \leq x < 6$$:** $$f(x) = x^2$$ produces values like $$9$$ for $$x = 3$$ and $$25$$ for $$x = 5$$, but we observe that this might fit the stabilizing part if these values are scaled correctly in the graph. - **For $$x \geq 6$$:** $$f(x) = 2x - 6$$, which is a linear function increasing with $$x$$, aligning with the increasing part of the graph after $$x = 6$$. This choice seems to fit the observed behavior on the graph. ### Conclusion: The correct answer appears to be the **first option**, as it aligns with the observed trends in each interval on the graph. Would you like further clarification on this solution? --- Here are five questions to consider that build on this information: 1. What other types of functions could generate similar graphs with piecewise definitions? 2. How would the solution change if the intervals in the functions were adjusted slightly? 3. What are other applications of piecewise functions in real-world contexts? 4. How does a piecewise linear function differ visually from a smooth, continuous function? 5. Can we model population growth with other types of functions, such as exponential or logistic models? **Tip:** When analyzing piecewise functions, always check the behavior of each segment independently and then consider how they fit together at the transition points.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Graph Analysis
Function Evaluation

Formulas

Piecewise function evaluation

Theorems

None

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12