Math Problem Statement

Express the function graphed as a piecewise function.

Solution

The image shows a graph that is piecewise linear, with two distinct line segments. Let’s analyze the graph step by step to express the function as a piecewise function:

Analyzing the graph:

  1. First segment:

    • This line starts at (2,1)(-2, -1) and goes horizontally to (0,1)(0, -1).
    • It is a horizontal line with y=1y = -1 for x[2,0]x \in [-2, 0].
  2. Second segment:

    • The second line segment starts at (0,0)(0, 0) and passes through (2,2)(2, 2).
    • It has a positive slope and is a linear function.
    • Using the slope formula y2y1x2x1=2020=1\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{2 - 0}{2 - 0} = 1, we conclude the slope is 11.
    • The equation of the line is y=xy = x for x(0,2]x \in (0, 2].

Piecewise Function Representation:

Thus, the piecewise function for this graph is:

\begin{cases} -1 & \text{if } -2 \leq x \leq 0, \\ x & \text{if } 0 < x \leq 2. \end{cases}$$ Would you like further details on how to derive the equation of the second segment, or do you have any questions about the representation? Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding: 1. How do you calculate the slope of a line segment given two points? 2. What are the conditions for continuity in piecewise functions? 3. Can a piecewise function have more than two segments, and how would that affect the function's behavior? 4. How can you determine the domain and range of a piecewise function? 5. What would happen if the points where the pieces meet were not continuous? **Tip:** When dealing with piecewise functions, always check whether the function is continuous at the transition points between different segments. This helps in analyzing the overall behavior of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Piecewise functions
Linear functions
Slope-intercept form

Formulas

Slope formula: (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Linear equation: y = mx + b

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Theorem
Continuity at a point

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10