Math Problem Statement

please advise the correct answer

Complete the equation for the piecewise function graphed below.

Solution

The image contains a graph representing a piecewise function, and you are asked to complete the equation for f(x)f(x).

Here’s the process to determine the equations for each segment:

1. Segment from x=6x = -6 to x=2x = -2:

This is a linear segment with a decreasing slope. To find the equation:

  • The endpoints are (6,0)(-6, 0) and (2,2)(-2, 2).
  • Using the slope formula m=y2y1x2x1=202(6)=24=12m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{2 - 0}{-2 - (-6)} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}.
  • The point-slope form of a line is yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1). Using the point (6,0)(-6, 0) and slope 12\frac{1}{2}, the equation becomes: y0=12(x(6))    y=12(x+6)y - 0 = \frac{1}{2}(x - (-6)) \implies y = \frac{1}{2}(x + 6)

So, for 6x2-6 \leq x \leq -2, the equation is f(x)=12(x+6)f(x) = \frac{1}{2}(x + 6).

2. Segment from x=2x = -2 to x=3x = 3:

This is a constant function at f(x)=2f(x) = 2. This means the function is simply f(x)=2f(x) = 2 for 2<x3-2 < x \leq 3.

3. Segment from x=3x = 3 to x=6x = 6:

This is another linear segment, this time decreasing. The endpoints are (3,2)(3, 2) and (6,4)(6, -4).

  • The slope is m=4263=63=2m = \frac{-4 - 2}{6 - 3} = \frac{-6}{3} = -2.
  • Using point-slope form with the point (3,2)(3, 2): y2=2(x3)    y=2(x3)+2    y=2x+6+2    y=2x+8y - 2 = -2(x - 3) \implies y = -2(x - 3) + 2 \implies y = -2x + 6 + 2 \implies y = -2x + 8

So, for 3<x63 < x \leq 6, the equation is f(x)=2x+8f(x) = -2x + 8.

Complete Piecewise Function:

\begin{cases} \frac{1}{2}(x + 6) & \text{if } -6 \leq x \leq -2 \\ 2 & \text{if } -2 < x \leq 3 \\ -2x + 8 & \text{if } 3 < x \leq 6 \end{cases}$$ Let me know if you'd like further details or clarification! Here are some related questions to expand your understanding: 1. How do you calculate the slope of a line segment? 2. What is the point-slope form of a linear equation, and how is it applied? 3. How do you determine if a function is constant over an interval? 4. How can you find the equation of a line if two points are known? 5. What does it mean for a function to be piecewise defined? **Tip:** Always ensure the boundaries in a piecewise function are correct (i.e., whether they should be inclusive or exclusive).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Linear Equations
Constant Functions

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Piecewise function notation

Theorems

Point-Slope Form
Slope of a Line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11