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I. Absolute Value Functions: Math 150 - Topic 2 Piecewise-Defined Functions

This document provides a review of piecewise-defined functions. It first discusses absolute value functions, defining them using two pieces based on whether the input is positive or negative. It then explains how to analyze and evaluate piecewise functions by looking at the input intervals to select the appropriate piece for the output. Examples evaluate several piecewise functions and sketch their graphs. Practice problems have students define absolute value functions piecewise, evaluate specific inputs for a piecewise function, and sketch a graph of a piecewise function.

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48 views

I. Absolute Value Functions: Math 150 - Topic 2 Piecewise-Defined Functions

This document provides a review of piecewise-defined functions. It first discusses absolute value functions, defining them using two pieces based on whether the input is positive or negative. It then explains how to analyze and evaluate piecewise functions by looking at the input intervals to select the appropriate piece for the output. Examples evaluate several piecewise functions and sketch their graphs. Practice problems have students define absolute value functions piecewise, evaluate specific inputs for a piecewise function, and sketch a graph of a piecewise function.

Uploaded by

rohitrgt4u
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Math 150 T2-Piecewise-Defined Functions Review Page 1

MATH 150 TOPIC 2


PIECEWISE-DEFINED FUNCTIONS

I. Absolute Value Functions

II. Piecewise Functions

Practice Problems
Math 150 T2-Piecewise-Defined Functions Review Page 2

I. Absolute Value Functions

Sometimes a function cannot be defined as a single expression. The absolute


value function is a good example of this. Recall that f (x) = |x| is defined
by two equations: f (x) = x if x 0 and f (x) = x if x < 0. These two
pieces can be written as follows

( x x
x if x 0
f (x) = |x| =
x if x < 0.

Exercise 1: Write a piecewise definition for f (x) = |x 3|. Sketch the


graph of f . Answer

Heres a more complicated absolute value function.

|x|
Example: Define and sketch g(x) = .
x

x
=1 if x > 0
x
Definition: g(x) = x Note: g(0) is undefined.

= 1 if x < 0.
x

1
Math 150 T2-Piecewise-Defined Functions Review Page 3

II. Piecewise Functions

Lets analyze the piecewise function defined by




x + 1, x 1
f (x) = 2, 1 < x < 3

2
x 4, x 3.

To help with input, think of f (x) as follows:




1 piece, x 1
st

f (x) = 2nd piece, 1 < x < 3



rd
3 piece, x 3.
In general, first look at the input intervals to select the appropriate piece to
use for output.

1) Evaluate the following: f (3), f (1), f (e), f (3).

Ans.
)
f (3) = 4 st f (e) = 2 from 2nd piece, e 2.7
from 1 piece
f (1) = 2 f (3) = 5 from 3rd piece

2) Here is the graph of f . Pay particular attention to the endpoints of


the input intervals. Notice how this graph still passes the Vertical Line
Test.

7
6
5

4
3
2
1

4321 0 1 2 3 4 5
Math 150 T2-Piecewise-Defined Functions Review Page 4

PRACTICE PROBLEMS for Topic 2 Piecewise-Defined Functions

2.1. Define each absolute value function in piecewise form. Sketch a graph.
(
x + 2, x 2
Ex. f (x) = |x + 2| Ans. f (x) =
(x + 2), x < 2

a) f (x) = |x 1| b) f (x) = |2x + 3| Answers

2.2. Let a function be defined as follows



x 1, x 0
2

f (x) = 2, 0<x<4


x, x 4.

a) Find f (2), f (0), f (), f (x2 + 5).

b) Sketch a graph of f . Answers


Math 150 T2-Piecewise-Defined Functions Review Answers Page 5

ANSWERS to PRACTICE PROBLEMS (Topic 2 Piecewise-Defined Functions)

(
x 1, x1
2.1. a) f (x) =
(x 1), x < 1

(
2x + 3, x 3/2
2.1. b) f (x) =
(2x + 3), x < 3/2

Return to Problem

2.2. a) f (2) = 5
f (0) = 1
f () = 2 because 3.14
p
f (x2 + 5) = x2 + 5 because x2 + 5 > 4 for all x.

b)

1 4

Return to Problem

Beginning of Topic 150 Review Topics Skills Assessment


Math 150 T2-Exercise 1 Page 6

Write a piecewise definition for f (x) = |x 3|. Sketch the graph of f .

Answers:

(
x3 if x 3
f (x) = |x 3| =
(x 3) if x < 3

f (x) = x 3 f (x) = |x 3|

Return to Review Topic

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