44 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

I(r) 0.5 2.7r (B) Sketch by hand the graph of I and the data on the
where r represents R & D expenditures. same axes.
(A) Complete the following table. Round values of I(r) to (C) Use the modeling function I to estimate the income if
one decimal place. the company spends $1.5 billion on research and
development. $2 billion.
r (R & D) 0.66 0.75 0.85 0.99 1.1
Net income 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4
I(r)

Section 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties

Basic Concepts
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Local Maxima and Minima
Piecewise-Defined Functions
The Greatest Integer Function

One of the primary goals of this course is to provide you with a set of mathe-
matical tools that can be used, in conjunction with a graphing utility, to analyze
graphs that arise quite naturally in important applications. In this section, we dis-
cuss some basic concepts that are commonly used to describe graphs of functions.

Basic Concepts
Each function that has a real number domain and range has a graphthe graph
of the ordered pairs of real numbers that constitute the function. When functions
are graphed, domain values usually are associated with the horizontal axis and
range values with the vertical axis. Thus, the graph of a function f is the same
as the graph of the equation

y f(x)
FIGURE 1
Graph of a function. where x is the independent variable and the abscissa of a point on the graph of
y or f (x)
f. The variables y and f(x) are dependent variables, and either is the ordinate of
a point on the graph of f (see Fig. 1).
(x, y) or The abscissa of a point where the graph of a function intersects the x axis is
(x, f (x))
y intercept f called an x intercept or zero of the function. The x intercept is also a real solu-
tion or root of the equation f(x) 0. The ordinate of a point where the graph of
y or f (x) a function crosses the y axis is called the y intercept of the function. The y inter-
x cept is given by f(0), provided 0 is in the domain of f. Note that a function can
have more than one x intercept but can never have more than one y intercept
x intercept a consequence of the vertical line test discussed in the preceding section.

EXAMPLE Finding x and y Intercepts

1 Find the x and y intercepts (correct to one decimal place) of f(x) x3 x 3.
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 45

Solution From the graph of f in Figure 2(a), we see that the y intercept is f(0) 3 and
that there is an x intercept between 1 and 2. Zooming in on the graph near
x 1 [Figs. 2(b) and 2(c)], we see that the x intercept (to one decimal place) is
1.2.
FIGURE 2 10 1 1

10 10 0 2 0 2

10 1 1
(a) (b) (c)

MATCHED PROBLEM Find the x and y intercepts (correct to one decimal place) of f(x) x3 x 5.
1

Explore/Discuss Suppose we want a more accurate approximation of the x intercept of the

function f(x) x3 x 3 discussed in Example 1.
(A) Use zoom and trace to approximate the x intercept to five decimal
1 places. How many times did you have to zoom in on the graph to
obtain this accuracy?
(B) Consult the manual for your graphing utility to learn how to use its
built-in routine for approximating x intercepts. Root and zero are
two common names for this routine. Use your graphing utility to
approximate the x intercept to five decimal places (Fig. 3).
FIGURE 3 10

10 10

10

As you undoubtedly discovered in Explore/Discuss 1, using a built-in routine

for approximating x intercepts is much faster than using zoom and trace. One of
the great advantages of a graphing utility is the ability to approximate x intercepts
or, equivalently, solutions to equations of the form f(x) 0.
The domain of a function is the set of all the x coordinates of points on the
graph of the function and the range is the set of all the y coordinates. It is instruc-
tive to view the domain and range as subsets of the coordinate axes as in
Figure 4. Note the effective use of interval notation in describing the domain and
range of the functions in this figure. In Figure 4(a) a solid dot is used to indicate
that a point is on the graph of the function and in Figure 4(b) an open dot to
46 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

indicate that a point is not on the graph of the function. An open or solid dot at
the end of a graph indicates that the graph terminates there, while an arrowhead
indicates that the graph continues beyond the portion shown with no significant
changes in shape [see Fig. 4(b)].

FIGURE 4 f (x) f (x)

Domain and range.
d d

(
]
a
[ ] x ( x
b a

c
[
Domain f [a, b] Domain f (a, )
Range f [c, d ] Range f (, d )
(a) (b)

EXAMPLE Finding the Domain and Range from a Graph

2 Find the domain and range of the function f whose graph is shown in
Figure 5.

FIGURE 5 y or f (x)

3 6
x
3

y f (x)

Solution The dots at each end of the graph of f indicate that the graph terminates at these
points. Thus, the x coordinates of the points on the graph are between 3 and 6.
The open dot at (3, 4) indicates that 3 is not in the domain of f, while the
closed dot at (6, 3) indicates that 6 is in the domain of f. That is,

Domain: 3 x 6 or (3, 6]

The y coordinates are between 5 and 4 and, as before, the open dot at (3, 4)
indicates that 4 is not in the range of f and the closed dot at (3, 5) indicates
that 5 is in the range of f. Thus,

Range: 5 y 4 or [5, 4)
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 47

MATCHED PROBLEM Find the domain and range of the function f given by the graph in Figure 6.
2
FIGURE 6 y or f (x)

3
y f (x)
1
5
x
4

In Example 2, the domain and range for the function f were easily determined
from the graph of f, since the entire graph of f was visible. More often we can
only show part of a graph of a function defined by an equation, since the graph
may continue to move indefinitely far away from the origin, and it may not be
clear what happens to the graph as it moves further away. When a function is
defined by an equation, such as

f(x) 3x or g(x) 4x 0.4x (1)

the domain is often easily determined from the equation, but the range is not.
Since x represents a real number only for x 0, functions f and g in equation
(1) have the same domain, [0, ). What about the range for f and for g? Look-
ing at their graphs in standard viewing windows (Fig. 7), we might conclude that
the range of each function is [0, ). And we would be wrong!
FIGURE 7 10 10

10 10 10 10

10 10
(a) f(x) 3x (b) g(x) 4x 0.4x

Using new window variables produces the graphs in Figure 8. The graph of f
does appear to continue upward, but the graph of g changes direction and starts
to go down. Using more advanced mathematics, it can be shown that [0, ) is
the correct range for f and the correct range for g is (, 10].
FIGURE 8 50 50

0 200 0 200

50 50
(a) f (x) 3x (b) g(x) 4x 0.4x
48 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

Before we continue, we must discuss another point about the graphs in Fig-
ure 7. Notice that the graphing utility we used to produce Figure 7 skipped over
all the negative values of x because the functions were not defined as real num-
bers for x 0. Most graphing utilities will disregard any values of x between
Xmin and Xmax for which the function is not defined as a real number. But some
do not. Instead, some graphing utilities display an error message if the interval
[Xmin, Xmax] contains any values of x for which the function is not defined. If
yours does this, you will have to be certain to exclude such x values from the
viewing window.

Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Explore/Discuss Graph each function in the standard viewing window, then write a verbal
description of the behavior exhibited by the graph as x moves from left
to right.
2 (A) f(x) 2 x
(C) f(x) 5
(B) f(x) x3
(D) f(x) 9 x2

We now take a look at increasing and decreasing properties of functions. Intu-

itively, a function is increasing over an interval I in its domain if its graph rises
as the independent variable increases (moves from left to right) over I. A func-
tion is decreasing over I if its graph falls as the independent variable increases
over I (Fig. 9).
FIGURE 9 f (x) g(x)
Increasing, decreasing, and con-
5 5
stant functions.
f (x) x 3 g(x) 2x 2

x x
5 5 5 5

5 5

(a) Decreasing on (, ) (b) Increasing on (, )

h(x) p (x)

5 5

h(x) 2
p (x) x 2 1
x x
5 5 5 5

5 5

(c) Constant on (, ) (d) Decreasing on (, 0]

Increasing on [0, )
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 49

More formally, we define increasing, decreasing, and constant functions as

follows:

INCREASING, DECREASING, AND CONSTANT FUNCTIONS

DEFINITION Let I be an interval in the domain of a function f. Then,
1. f is increasing on I if f(b) f(a) whenever b a in I.
1 2. f is decreasing on I if f(b) f(a) whenever b a in I.
3. f is constant on I if f(a) f(b) for all a and b in I.

EXAMPLE Describing a Graph

3 Use the terms increasing, decreasing, and constant to describe the graph of

f(x) 60x x3 for 10 x 10

Solution We begin by graphing f in the standard viewing window [Fig. 10(a)]. Since this
view of the graph is not very informative, we need to adjust the viewing window.
The trace procedure can be used to determine appropriate values for Ymin and
Ymax. (The trace procedure displays the coordinates of a point on the graph even
if the point is not visible in the viewing window.) While tracing along the graph
in Figure 10(a) from Xmin 10 to Xmax 10, notice that all the y values
are between 400 and 400, inclusive. Using Ymin 400 and Ymax 400
produces the graph in Figure 10(b).
FIGURE 10 10 400 178.89

10 10 10 10 4.45 4.49

10 400 178.87
(a) (b) (c)

The graph changes direction twice, once near x 4.468 and again near
x 4.468. Using zoom and trace procedures near 4.468, we see that the graph
changes direction at x 4.47, correct to two decimal places [Fig. 10(c)]. Simi-
lar procedures show that the graph also changes direction at x 4.47 (details
omitted). Thus, this function decreases as x goes from 10 to 4.47, increases
as x goes from 4.47 to 4.47, and decreases as x goes from 4.47 to 10. Or using
interval notation, f is decreasing on [10, 4.47] and [4.47, 10], and increasing
on [4.47, 4.47].

MATCHED PROBLEM Repeat Example 3 with f(x) x3 40x.

3
50 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

In Example 3, we used zoom and trace procedures to approximate the points

where the graph changes direction and we limited our discussion to the graphing
interval [Xmin, Xmax]. Techniques for locating the exact points where graphs
change direction and for analyzing increasing and decreasing behavior are dis-
cussed extensively in calculus.

Local Maxima and Minima

The points where the graph of a function changes direction play an essential role
in the analysis of functions and graphs. These points are also critical to the solu-
tion of many applied problems involving the maximum or minimum values of a
function. We define local maximum and minimum values of a function as follows:

LOCAL MAXIMA AND LOCAL MINIMA

The functional value f(c) is called a local f (x)
maximum if there is an interval (a, b)
containing c such that f (c)

f(x) f(c) for all x in (a, b)

x
a c b
Local maximum
The functional value f(c) is called a local
minimum if there is an interval (a, b)
containing c such that
f (x)

f(x) f(c) for all x in (a, b)

f (c)
The functional value f(c) is called a local
extremum if it is either a local maximum x
a c b
or a local minimum. Local minimum

Explore/Discuss Most graphing utilities have built-in routines for approximating local
maxima and minima that dont require you to zoom in on the graph
(consult your manual for details). Graph f(x) 60x x3 for

3 10 x 10, 400 y 400 and use a built-in routine to find the

local maximum and local minimum [see Fig. 10(b)].

EXAMPLE Maximizing Revenue

4 The revenue (in dollars) from the sale of x bicycle locks is given by

R(x) 21x 0.016x2 0 x 1,300

 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 51

(A) Find the revenue for x 100, 200, . . . , 1,300. Use these values to esti-
mate the number of locks that must be sold to maximize the revenue.
What is the estimated maximum revenue?
(B) Graph y R(x) and find the exact number of locks that must be sold to
maximize the revenue. What is the maximum revenue now?

Solutions (A) Use a graphing utility to compute the required values of R (Fig. 11).
FIGURE 11

Examining the values in Figure 11, we see that selling 700 locks will pro-
duce a revenue of $6,860. This is the best estimate we can obtain from the
values in these tables. It is likely that there exist values of x not in these
tables that will produce larger values of R(x).
(B) Using a built-in maximum routine (Fig. 12) and rounding to the nearest unit,
we see that the maximum revenue of $6,891 occurs when 656 locks are sold.
FIGURE 12 7,000

0 1,300

MATCHED PROBLEM The profit (in dollars) from the sale of x bicycle locks is given by
4 P(x) 17.5x 0.016x2 2,000 0 x 1,300

(A) Find the profit for x 100, 200, . . . , 1,300. Use these values to estimate
the number of locks that must be sold to maximize the profit. What is the
estimated maximum profit?
(B) Graph y P(x) and find the number of locks that must be sold to maximize
the profit. What is the maximum profit now?

Technically speaking, the revenue function R in Example 4 is defined only for

integer values of x, x 0, 1, . . . , 1,300. However, for the purposes of mathe-
matical analysis and as an aid in visualizing the behavior of the function R, we
connect this discrete set of points with a continuous curve. There is nothing wrong
with this, as long as you realize that it may not always be possible to realistically
interpret values of R when x is not an integer. For example, the maximum value
of R actually occurs at x 656.25, but since it is not possible to manufacture
one-fourth of a lock, we simply conclude that x 656 is the number of locks
that produces the maximum revenue.
52 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

FIGURE 13 Piecewise-Defined Functions

Graph of f (x) x abs(x).
The absolute value function is defined by
10

x if x 0

f(x) x x if x 0
10 10

The graph of x is shown in Figure 13. Most graphing utilities use abs or ABS
to denote this function, and the graph is produced directly using y1 abs(x).
10 Notice that the absolute value function is defined by different formulas for dif-
ferent parts of its domain. Functions whose definitions involve more than one
formula are called piecewise-defined functions. As the next example illustrates,
piecewise-defined functions occur naturally in many applications.

EXAMPLE Rental Charges

5 A car rental agency charges $0.25 per mile if the mileage does not exceed
100. If the total mileage exceeds 100, the agency charges $0.25 per mile for
the first 100 miles and $0.15 per mile for any additional mileage.
(A) If x represents the number of miles a rented vehicle is driven, express the
mileage charge C(x) as a function of x.
(B) Complete the following table.

x 0 50 100 150 200

C(x)

(C) Sketch the graph of y C(x) by hand, using a graphing utility as an aid,
and indicate the points in the table on the graph with solid dots.

Solutions (A) If 0 x 100, then

C(x) 0.25x

If x 100, then

Charge for the Charge for the

first 100 miles additional mileage
C(x) 0.25(100) 0.15(x 100)
25 0.15x 15
10 0.15x

Thus, we see that C is a piecewise-defined function:

if 0 x 100
10 0.15x
0.25x
C(x)
if x 100

(B) Piecewise-defined functions are evaluated by first determining which rule

applies and then using the appropriate rule to find the value of the function.
To begin, we enter both rules in a graphing utility and use the table routine
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 53

FIGURE 14 (Fig. 14). To complete the table, we use the values of C(x) from the y1
y1 0.25x, y2 10 0.15x. column if 0 x 100, and from the y2 column if x 100.

x 0 50 100 150 200

C(x) $0 $12.50 $25 $32.50 $40

(C) Using a graph of both rules in the same viewing window as an aid (Fig. 15),
we sketch the graph of y C(x) and add the points from the table to pro-
duce Figure 16.
FIGURE 15 50

y1 0.25x, y2 10 0.15x.

0 200

FIGURE 16 y or C (x)
Hand sketch of the graph of
y C(x). y2 10 0.15x
40

20
y1 0.25x

0 x
0 50 100 150 200 250

MATCHED PROBLEM Another car rental agency charges $0.30 per mile when the total mileage does not
5 exceed 75, and $0.30 per mile for the first 75 miles plus $0.20 per mile for the
additional mileage when the total mileage exceeds 75.
(A) If x represents the number of miles a rented vehicle is driven, express the
mileage charge C(x) as a function of x.
(B) Complete the following table.

x 0 50 75 100 150
C(x)

(C) Sketch the graph of y C(x) by hand, using a graphing utility as an aid,
and indicate the points in the table on the graph with solid dots.

Refer to Figures 14 and 16 in the solution to Example 5. Notice that the two
formulas in the definition of C produce the same value at x 100 and that the
graph of C contains no breaks. Informally, a graph (or portion of a graph) is said
to be continuous if it contains no breaks or gaps and can be drawn without lift-
ing a pen from the paper. A graph is discontinuous at any points where there is
54 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

a break or a gap. For example, the graph of the function in Figure 17 is discon-
tinuous at x 1. The entire graph cannot be drawn without lifting a pen from
the paper. (A formal presentation of continuity can be found in calculus texts.)
FIGURE 17 f (x)
Graph of
x2 2 for x 1
f(x) x for x 1
2

x
2 2

The Greatest Integer Function

We conclude this section with a discussion of an interesting and useful function
called the greatest integer function.
The greatest integer of a real number x, denoted by x, is the integer n such
that n x n 1; that is, x is the largest integer less than or equal to x. For
example,

3.45 3 2.13 3 Not 2

7 7 8 8
0 0

The greatest integer function f is defined by the equation f(x) x. A piece-

wise definition of f for 2 x 3 is shown below and a sketch of the graph
of f for 5 x 5 is shown in Figure 18. Since the domain of f is all real num-
bers, the piecewise definition continues indefinitely in both directions, as does the
stairstep pattern in the figure. Thus, the range of f is the set of all integers. The
greatest integer function is an example of a more general class of functions called
step functions.
.
addfgggbgggfc

FIGURE 18 .
Greatest integer function. .
2 if 2 x 1
f (x)
1 if 1 x 0
5
f(x) x 0 if 0 x 1
f (x) x
1 if 1 x 2
x 2 if 2 x 3
5 5 .
.
.

5 Notice in Figure 18 that at each integer value of x there is a break in the graph,
and between integer values of x there is no break. Thus, the greatest integer func-
tion is discontinuous at each integer n and continuous on each interval of the form
[n, n 1).
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 55

Most graphing utilities will graph the greatest integer function, usually denoted
by int, but these graphs require careful interpretation. Comparing the sketch of
y x in Figure 18 with the graph of y int(x) in Figure 19(a), we see that the
graphing utility has connected the end points of the horizontal line segments. This
gives the appearance that the graph is continuous when it is not. To obtain a cor-
rect graph, consult the manual to determine how to change the graphing mode on
your graphing utility from connected mode to dot mode [Fig. 19(b)].
FIGURE 19 5 5

Greatest integer function on a

graphing utility.
5 5 5 5

5 5
(a) Graph of y int(x) in the (b) Graph of y int(x) in the
connected mode. dot mode.

To avoid misleading graphs, use the dot mode on your graphing

utility when graphing a function with discontinuities.

EXAMPLE Computer Science

6 Let

10x 0.5
f(x)
10

Find

(A) f(6) (B) f(1.8) (C) f(3.24) (D) f(4.582) (E) f(2.68)

What operation does this function perform?

60.5 60
Solutions (A) f(6) 6
10 10
18.5 18
(B) f(1.8) 1.8
10 10
32.9 32
(C) f(3.24) 3.2
x f(x) 10 10
6 6.0 46.32 46
(D) f(4.582) 4.6
10 10
1.8 1.8
26.3 27
3.24 3.2 (E) f(2.68) 2.7
10 10
4.582 4.6
2.68 2.7 Comparing the values of x and f(x) in the table, we conclude that this function
rounds decimal fractions to the nearest tenth.
56 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

MATCHED PROBLEM Let f(x) x 0.5. Find

6 (A) f(6) (B) f(1.8) (C) f(3.24) (D) f(4.3) (E) f(2.69)
What operation does this function perform?

Answers to Matched Problems

1. x intercept: 1.5; y intercept: 5
2. Domain: 4 x 5 or (4, 5)
Range: 4 y 3 or (4, 3]
3. f is increasing on [10, 3.65] and [3.65, 10], and decreasing on [3.65, 3.65].
4. (A) The sale of 500 locks will produce an estimated maximum profit of $2,750.

(B) The maximum profit of $2,785 occurs when 547 locks are sold.
if 0 x 75

0.3x
5. (A) C(x)
7.5 0.2x if x 75

(B) x 0 50 75 100 150

C(x) $0 $15 $22.50 $27.50 $37.50

(C) C (x)
50
y2 7.5 0.2x
40

30

20

10 y1 0.3x
0 x
0 50 100 150 200 250

6. (A) 6 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4 (E) 3; f rounds decimal fractions to the nearest integer.

EXERCISE 1-4 (C) x intercepts

(D) y intercept
A (E) Intervals over which f is increasing
(F) Intervals over which f is decreasing
Problems 16 refer to functions f, g, h, k, p, and q given by the (G) Intervals over which f is constant
following graphs. (Assume the graphs continue as indicated
(H) Any points of discontinuity
beyond the parts shown.)
2. Repeat Problem 1 for the function g.
1. For the function f, find
(A) Domain 3. Repeat Problem 1 for the function h.
(B) Range 4. Repeat Problem 1 for the function k.
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 57

5. Repeat Problem 1 for the function p. Problems 1722 describe the graph of a continuous function f
over the interval [5, 5]. Sketch by hand the graph of a
6. Repeat Problem 1 for the function q.
function that is consistent with the given information.
f (x) g (x)
17. The function f is increasing on [5, 2], constant on
5 5 [2, 2], and decreasing on [2, 5].
18. The function f is decreasing on [5, 2], constant on
[2, 2], and increasing on [2, 5].
x x 19. The function f is decreasing on [5, 2], constant on
5 5 5 5
[2, 2], and decreasing on [2, 5].
20. The function f is increasing on [5, 2], constant on
5 5 [2, 2], and increasing on [2, 5].
21. The function f is decreasing on [5, 2], increasing on
h (x) k (x)
[2, 2], and decreasing on [2, 5].
5 5
22. The function f is increasing on [5, 2], decreasing on
[2, 2], and increasing on [2, 5].

5 5
x
5 5
x B
Each function f in Problems 2328 has exactly one local
extreme value f(c) and two x intercepts. Explore the graph of
5 5
f with a graphing utility to locate the intercepts and to
determine if the local extremum is a local maximum or a local
p (x) q (x) minimum. Approximate c, f(c), and the x intercepts to one
decimal place.
5 5

23. f (x) 0.7x2 5x 3 24. f (x) 5 0.3x2 x

25. f (x) 7x 2x 26. f (x) 3x 8x
x x
5 5 5 5
27. f (x) x 4x 4
2 3
28. f (x) 2
3

x x 2

In Problems 2936, sketch the graph by hand, using a graph-

5 5 ing utility as an aid, and find the domain, range, and any
points of discontinuity.
In Problems 716, examine the graph of the function on the x 1 if 1 x 0
interval [10, 10] to determine the intervals over which the 29. f (x) x 1 if 0 x 1
function is increasing, the intervals over which the function is
x if 2 x 1
decreasing, and the intervals over which the function is
constant. Approximate the endpoints of the intervals to the
30. f (x) x 2 if 1 x 2
nearest integer.
2 if 3 x 1

7. f (x) x 2 5 8. g(x) 6 x 3
31. f (x) 4if 1 x 2
9. h(x) x x 3
10. k(x) x 2 x 1 if 2 x 2
11. m(x) x 3 x 4
32. f (x) 3if 2 x 5

n(x) x 5 x 2 x2 if x 1
12. 33. f (x) x 2 if x 1
13. p(x) x 1 x 3
1 x if x 2
14. q(x) x 2 x 4 34. f (x) 5 x if x 2
15. r(x) x 4 x x 4
x2 1 if x 0
16. s(x) x x 5 x 3
35. g (x) x
2
1 if x 0
58 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

x3 x2
x2 2 if x 0 9 3x 2x 4
36. h (x) x 2
2 if x 0
53. f (x) x 54. f (x) x

In Problems 3742, write a verbal description of the graph of In Problems 5560, write a piecewise definition of f and sketch
the given function over the interval [10, 10] using increasing by hand the graph of f, using a graphing utility as an aid.
and decreasing terminology, and indicating any local Include sufficient intervals to clearly illustrate both the
maximum and minimum values. Approximate to two decimal definition and the graph. Find the domain, range, and any
places the coordinates of any points used in your description. points of discontinuity.
37. f (x) x2 4.3x 32 55. f(x) x/2 56. f(x) x/3
38. g(x) x2 6.9x 25 57. f(x) 3x 58. f(x) 2x
39. h(x) x3 x2 74x 60 59. f(x) x x 60. f(x) x x
40. k(x) x x 82x 25
3 2
61. The function f is continuous and increasing on the interval
[1, 9] with f(1) 5 and f(9) 4.

41. p(x) x x 18
2
(A) Sketch a graph of f that is consistent with the given

42. q(x) x2 2x 30 information.
(B) How many times does your graph cross the x axis?
Problems 4348 describe the graph of a function f that is Could the graph cross more times? Fewer times?
continuous on the interval [5, 5], except as noted. Sketch by Support your conclusions with additional sketches
hand the graph of a function that is consistent with the given and/or verbal arguments.
information.
62. Repeat Problem 61 if the function does not have to be
43. The function f is increasing on [5, 0), discontinuous at continuous.
x 0, increasing on (0, 5], f(2) 0, and f(2) 0.
63. The function f is continuous on the interval [5, 5] with
44. The function f is decreasing on [5, 0), discontinuous at f(5) 4, f(1) 3, and f(5) 2.
x 0, decreasing on (0, 5], f(3) 0, and f(3) 0.
(A) Sketch a graph of f that is consistent with the given
45. The function f is discontinuous at x 0, f(3) 2 is a information.
local maximum, and f(2) 3 is a local minimum. (B) How many times does your graph cross the x axis?
46. The function f is discontinuous at x 0, f(3) 2 is a Could the graph cross more times? Fewer times?
local minimum, and f(2) 3 is a local maximum. Support your conclusions with additional sketches
and/or verbal arguments.
47. The function f is discontinuous at x 2 and x 2,
f(3) 2 and f(3) 2 are local maxima, and 64. Repeat Problem 63 if f is continuous on [8, 8] with
f(0) 0 is a local minimum. f(8) 6, f(4) 3, f(3) 2, and f(8) 5.

48. The function f is discontinuous at x 2 and x 2, 65. The function f is continuous on [0, 10], f(5) 5 is a
f(3) 2 and f(3) 2 are local minima, and f(0) 0 is local minimum, and f has no other local extrema on this
a local maximum. interval.
(A) Sketch a graph of f that is consistent with the given
information.
C
(B) How many times does your graph cross the x axis?
In Problems 4954, graph y f(x) in a standard viewing Could the graph cross more times? Fewer times?
window. Assuming that the graph continues as indicated Support your conclusions with additional sketches
beyond the part shown in this viewing window, find the and/or verbal arguments.
domain, range, and any points of discontinuity. (Use the dot 66. Repeat Problem 65 if f(5) 1 and all other information is
mode on your graphing utility.) unchanged.

49. f (x) 5x 10 50. f (x)

4x 12
APPLICATIONS
x2 x3
51. f (x) x 4x 4 52. f (x) x 2x 2 67. Delivery Charges. A nationwide package delivery service
x1 x1 charges $15 for overnight delivery of packages weighing
 1-4 Functions: Graphs and Properties 59

1 pound or less. Each additional pound (or fraction (A) Examine the values of the revenue function R(x) for
thereof) costs an additional $3. Let C(x) be the charge for x 100, 200, . . . , 1,700 to estimate the number of
overnight delivery of a package weighing x pounds. car seats that must be sold to maximize the revenue.
(A) Write a piecewise definition of C for 0 x 6 and What is the estimated maximum revenue?
sketch the graph of C by hand. (B) Graph y R(x) and find the number of car seats that
(B) Can the function f defined by f(x) 15 3x be must be sold to maximize the revenue. What is the
used to compute the delivery charges for all x, maximum revenue now?
0 x 6? Justify your answer.
76. Profit. The profit (in dollars) from the sale of x car seats
68. Telephone Charges. Calls to 900 numbers are charged to for infants is given by
the caller. A 900 number hot line for tips and hints for P(x) 38x 0.035x2 4,000 0 x 1,700
video games charges $4 for the first minute of the call and
$2 for each additional minute (or fraction thereof). Let (A) Examine the values of the profit function P(x) for
C(x) be the charge for a call lasting x minutes. x 100, 200, . . . , 1,700 to estimate the number of
car seats that must be sold to maximize the profit.
(A) Write a piecewise definition of C for 0 x 6 and What is the estimated maximum profit?
sketch the graph of C by hand.
(B) Graph y P(x) and find the number of car seats that
(B) Can the function f defined by f(x) 4 2x be used must be sold to maximize the profit. What is the
to compute the charges for all x, 0 x 6? Justify maximum profit now?
your answer.
69. Sales Commissions. An appliance salesperson receives a 77. Manufacturing. A box is to be made out of a piece of
base salary of $200 a week and a commission of 4% on all cardboard that measures 18 by 24 inches. Squares, x
sales over $3,000 during the week. In addition, if the inches on a side, will be cut from each corner and then the
weekly sales are $8,000 or more, the salesperson receives ends and sides will be folded up (see the figure). The vol-
a $100 bonus. If x represents weekly sales (in dollars), ume of the box is given by
express the weekly earnings E(x) as a function of x, and V(x) x(24 2x)(18 2x) 0 x 9
sketch its graph. Identify any points of discontinuity. Find
E(5,750) and E(9,200).
24 inches
70. Service Charges. On weekends and holidays, an emer-
gency plumbing repair service charges $2.00 per minute x
for the first 30 minutes of a service call and $1.00 per x
minute for each additional minute. If x represents the dura-
18 inches

tion of a service call in minutes, express the total service

charge S(x) as a function of x, and sketch its graph. Iden-
tify any points of discontinuity. Find S(25) and S(45).
71. Computer Science. Let f(x) 100.5 x/10. Evaluate
f at 4, 4, 6, 6, 24, 25, 247, 243, 245, and 246.
What operation does this function perform?
72. Computer Science. Let f(x) 1000.5 x/100. Evalu-
ate f at 40, 40, 60, 60, 740, 750, 7,551, 601, 649,
and 651. What operation does this function perform?
73. Computer Science. Use the greatest integer function to
define a function f that rounds real numbers to the nearest
hundredth. (A) Examine the values of the volume function V(x) for
74. Computer Science. Use the greatest integer function to x 0, 1, 2, . . . , 9 and estimate the size of the cut-out
define a function f that rounds real numbers to the nearest squares that will make the volume maximum. What is
thousandth. the estimated volume?
(B) Graph y V(x) and approximate to two decimal
75. Revenue. The revenue (in dollars) from the sale of x car
places the size of the cut-out squares that will make
seats for infants is given by
the volume maximum. Approximate the maximum
R(x) 60x 0.035x2 0 x 1,700 volume to two decimal places also.
60 1 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

78. Manufacturing. A box with a hinged lid is to be made out

of a piece of cardboard that measures 20 by 40 inches. Six Island
squares, x inches on a side, will be cut from each corner Lake
and the middle, and then the ends and sides will be folded
up to form the box and its lid (see the figure). The volume

8 miles
of the box is given by Pipe
Freshwater
V(x) 0.5x(40 3x)(20 2x) 0 x 10 source
Land

40 inches x 20 x
20 miles
x
x
20 inches

80. Transportation. The construction company laying the

freshwater pipe in Problem 79 uses an amphibious vehicle
to travel down the beach and then out to the island. The
vehicle travels at 30 miles per hour on land and 7.5 miles
per hour in water. The total time T(x) in minutes for a trip
from the freshwater source to the island is given by
T(x) 2(20 x) 8x2 64 0 x 20
(A) Examine the values of the time function T(x) (rounded
to the nearest minute) for x 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 and
estimate the length of the land portion of the trip that
will make the time minimum. What is the estimated
time?
(B) Graph y T(x) and use zoom and trace procedures to
approximate to one decimal place the length of the
land portion of the trip that will make the time
(A) Examine the values of the volume function V(x) for minimum. Approximate the minimum time to the
x 0, 1, 2, . . . , 10 and estimate the size of the cut- nearest minute also.
out squares that will make the volume maximum. 81. Tire Mileage. An automobile tire manufacturer collected
What is the estimated volume? the data in the table relating tire pressure x, in pounds per
(B) Graph y V(x) and approximate to two decimal square inch, and mileage in thousands of miles.
places the size of the cut-out squares that will make
the volume maximum. Approximate the maximum x 28 30 32 34 36
volume to two decimal places also. Mileage 45 52 55 51 47
79. Construction. A freshwater pipe is to be run from a
source on the edge of a lake to a small resort community A mathematical model for this data is given by
on an island 8 miles offshore, as indicated in the figure. It f(x) 0.518x2 33.3x 481
costs $10,000 per mile to lay the pipe on land and $16,000
(A) Complete the following table. Round values of f(x) to
per mile to lay the pipe in the lake. The total cost C(x) in
one decimal place.
thousands of dollars of laying the pipe is given by
C(x) 10(20 x) 16x2 64 0 x 20 x 28 30 32 34 36
(A) Examine the values of the cost function C(x) (rounded Mileage 45 52 55 51 47
to the nearest thousand dollars) for x 0, 5, 10, 15,
and 20 and estimate to the nearest mile the length of f (x)
the land portion of the pipe that will make the pro-
duction costs minimum. What is the estimated cost? (B) Sketch by hand the graph of f and the mileage data on
(B) Graph y C(x) and approximate to one decimal place the same axes.
the length of the land portion of the pipe that will (C) Use values of the modeling function rounded to two
make the production costs minimum. Approximate decimal places to estimate the mileage for a tire
the minimum cost to the nearest thousand dollars also. pressure of 31 lb/in.2. For 35 lb/in.2.
 1-5 Functions: Graphs and Transformations 61

(D) Write a brief description of the relationship between (A) Complete the following table. Round values of x to
tire pressure and mileage, using the terms increasing, one decimal place.
decreasing, local maximum, and local minimum
where appropriate. x 0 1 2 3 4
Production 4.7 4.1 3.5 3.7 5.0
82. Automobile Production. The table lists General Motors
total U.S. vehicle production in millions of units from f (x)
1989 to 1993.
(B) Sketch by hand the graph of f and the production data
Year 89 90 91 92 93 on the same axes.
Production 4.7 4.1 3.5 3.7 5.0 (C) Use values of the modeling function f rounded to two
decimal places to estimate the production in 1994. In
1995.
A mathematical model for GMs production data is given
(D) Write a brief verbal description of GMs production
by
from 1989 to 1993, using increasing, decreasing, local
f(x) 0.33x 1.3x 4.8
2
maximum, and local minimum terminology where
where x 0 corresponds to 1989. appropriate.

Section 1-5 Functions: Graphs and Transformations

A Beginning Library of Elementary Functions
Vertical and Horizontal Shifts
Reflections, Expansions, and Contractions
Even and Odd Functions

The functions

g(x) x2 2 h(x) (x 2)2 k(x) 2x2

can be expressed in terms of the function f(x) x2 as follows:

g(x) f(x) 2 h(x) f(x 2) k(x) 2f(x)

In this section we will see that the graphs of functions g, h, and k are closely
related to the graph of function f. Insight gained by understanding these relation-
ships will help us analyze and interpret the graphs of many different functions.

A Beginning Library of Elementary Functions

As we progress through this book, we will encounter a number of basic functions
that we will want to add to our library of elementary functions. Figure 1 shows
six basic functions that you will encounter frequently. You should know the def-
inition, domain, and range of each of these functions, and be able to recognize
their graphs. You should graph each basic function in Figure 1 on your graphing
utility.
Most graphing utilities allow you to define a number of functions, usually
denoted by y1, y2, y3,. . . . You can graph all of these functions simultaneously, or