Math Problem Statement

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

Solution

The graph in the image shows a piecewise linear function. Let's break it down into two parts based on the different line segments.

  1. First Line Segment: This segment is a straight line from the point (10,6)(-10, 6) to (2,0)(-2, 0). To find the equation of this line, we need to determine its slope and intercept:

    • Slope (mm) = 062+10=68=34\frac{0 - 6}{-2 + 10} = \frac{-6}{8} = -\frac{3}{4}
    • Using the point-slope form of a line, yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1), with the point (2,0)(-2, 0), the equation becomes: y0=34(x+2)y=34x32y - 0 = -\frac{3}{4}(x + 2) \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = -\frac{3}{4}x - \frac{3}{2} This line is valid for xx values between 10x2-10 \leq x \leq -2.
  2. Second Line Segment: The second segment goes from the point (2,0)(-2, 0) to (10,8)(10, -8). Let's calculate the slope for this segment:

    • Slope (mm) = 8010+2=812=23\frac{-8 - 0}{10 + 2} = \frac{-8}{12} = -\frac{2}{3}
    • Using the point-slope form with the point (2,0)(-2, 0), the equation becomes: y0=23(x+2)y=23x43y - 0 = -\frac{2}{3}(x + 2) \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = -\frac{2}{3}x - \frac{4}{3} This line is valid for xx values between 2<x10-2 < x \leq 10.

The complete piecewise function is:

-\frac{3}{4}x - \frac{3}{2} & \text{for } -10 \leq x \leq -2, \\ -\frac{2}{3}x - \frac{4}{3} & \text{for } -2 < x \leq 10. \end{cases}$$ Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are some related questions to explore: 1. What is the significance of the slope in a piecewise linear function? 2. How can you determine the continuity of a piecewise function at the boundary points? 3. What are the domain and range of this piecewise function? 4. How can this piecewise function be graphed without the original graph provided? 5. How do we calculate the slope of a line between two given points? **Tip**: In a piecewise function, check the function's value and slope at the "boundary points" to ensure smooth transitions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Piecewise Functions
Linear Equations

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Point-slope form of a line: y - y1 = m(x - x1)

Theorems

Linear equation in point-slope form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12