Math Problem Statement

Find the rule that describes the piecewise-defined function based on the graph provided. The graph shows different segments with specific points, including (-1, -1), (0, 0), (1, 1/3), (9, 3), and (10, 7).

Solution

To determine the piecewise-defined function based on the given graph, let's break it down by analyzing the behavior of the function over specific intervals.

Key Points on the Graph:

  1. At x=1x = -1: The point is (1,1)(-1, -1), and there is a curve passing through it.
  2. At x=0x = 0: The point is (0,0)(0, 0).
  3. At x=1x = 1: The point is (1,13)(1, \frac{1}{3}).
  4. At x=9x = 9: The point is (9,3)(9, 3).
  5. At x=10x = 10: The point is (10,7)(10, 7).

The graph is composed of different segments that change at specific values of xx, indicating a piecewise function.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

For x1x \leq -1:

  • The leftmost part of the graph seems to be a horizontal line or a constant value near y=1y = -1. This suggests that: f(x)=1forx1.f(x) = -1 \quad \text{for} \quad x \leq -1.

For 1<x1-1 < x \leq 1:

  • The graph appears to be a smooth curve passing through the points (1,1)(-1, -1), (0,0)(0, 0), and (1,13)(1, \frac{1}{3}). This suggests a quadratic or cubic relationship. Based on these values, the equation of this part of the curve can be approximated as: f(x)=x21for1<x1.f(x) = x^2 - 1 \quad \text{for} \quad -1 < x \leq 1.

For 1<x91 < x \leq 9:

  • Between x=1x = 1 and x=9x = 9, the graph is linear, connecting the points (1,13)(1, \frac{1}{3}) and (9,3)(9, 3). The slope of the line is: slope=31391=838=13.\text{slope} = \frac{3 - \frac{1}{3}}{9 - 1} = \frac{\frac{8}{3}}{8} = \frac{1}{3}. Thus, the equation of this line is: f(x)=13(x1)+13for1<x9.f(x) = \frac{1}{3}(x - 1) + \frac{1}{3} \quad \text{for} \quad 1 < x \leq 9.

For x=10x = 10:

  • At x=10x = 10, the graph shows a point (10,7)(10, 7). Since this is an isolated point, the value of the function here is: f(x)=7forx=10.f(x) = 7 \quad \text{for} \quad x = 10.

Answer:

The piecewise function describing this graph is:

\begin{cases} -1 & \text{if} \quad x \leq -1 \\ x^2 - 1 & \text{if} \quad -1 < x \leq 1 \\ \frac{1}{3}(x - 1) + \frac{1}{3} & \text{if} \quad 1 < x \leq 9 \\ 7 & \text{if} \quad x = 10 \end{cases}$$ Would you like me to explain any specific step in further detail or help with related questions? Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding: 1. How do you determine the equation of a line given two points? 2. What is a piecewise function, and how is it different from a regular function? 3. Can a function have an isolated point like $$f(10) = 7$$? How is this represented graphically? 4. How do you determine if a graph represents a linear, quadratic, or cubic function? 5. What is the process of constructing the equation of a curve passing through multiple points? **Tip:** When analyzing graphs for piecewise functions, always look for key transition points (like turning points or changes in slope), and use these points to break the function into manageable pieces.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Linear Equations
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

Slope formula: (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Linear function: y = mx + b
Quadratic function: y = ax^2 + bx + c

Theorems

Equation of a line
Quadratic equations
Continuity and discontinuity of functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12