Math Problem Statement

Complete the description of the piecewise function graphed below.

Solution

From the image, we are tasked with completing the piecewise function based on the graph provided. Here's how to approach it:

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Identify the first piece (from x=6x = -6 to x=3x = -3):

  • The graph shows a horizontal line from x=6x = -6 to x=3x = -3 at y=2y = -2.
  • So, the first piece of the function is: f(x)=2if 6x3f(x) = -2 \quad \text{if } -6 \leq x \leq -3

2. Identify the second piece (from x=3x = -3 to x=2x = 2):

  • There is a line segment between (3,1)(-3, 1) and (2,3)(2, 3).
  • To find the equation of this line, use the slope formula m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}: m=312(3)=25m = \frac{3 - 1}{2 - (-3)} = \frac{2}{5} The point-slope form is yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1), using the point (3,1)(-3, 1): y1=25(x+3)y - 1 = \frac{2}{5}(x + 3) Simplifying: y=25x+65+1=25x+115y = \frac{2}{5}x + \frac{6}{5} + 1 = \frac{2}{5}x + \frac{11}{5} So, the second piece of the function is: f(x)=25x+115if 3<x2f(x) = \frac{2}{5}x + \frac{11}{5} \quad \text{if } -3 < x \leq 2

3. Identify the third piece (from x=2x = 2 to x=6x = 6):

  • This part is already given: f(x)=2x7f(x) = 2x - 7 for 2<x62 < x \leq 6.

Final Piecewise Function:

\begin{cases} -2 & \text{if } -6 \leq x \leq -3 \\ \frac{2}{5}x + \frac{11}{5} & \text{if } -3 < x \leq 2 \\ 2x - 7 & \text{if } 2 < x \leq 6 \end{cases}$$ Would you like more details or clarifications? --- Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding: 1. How do you determine the slope of a line segment between two points? 2. What is the difference between an open and closed interval on a graph? 3. How do you convert between different forms of a line equation (slope-intercept vs point-slope)? 4. How do you find the equation of a horizontal or vertical line? 5. What is the domain of a piecewise function and how is it determined? **Tip:** When dealing with piecewise functions, always double-check the endpoints to ensure whether they are included (closed interval) or excluded (open interval).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise Functions
Linear Equations
Graphing

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope of a Line
Piecewise Function Domain

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11