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Step Function Notes

This document discusses the greatest integer (step) function. It defines the greatest integer function, provides examples of applying it, and graphs the basic step function. It also discusses how multiplicative parameters affect transformed step functions, including the effects of the signs of the parameters on the functions.

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welcometotheswamp
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41 views

Step Function Notes

This document discusses the greatest integer (step) function. It defines the greatest integer function, provides examples of applying it, and graphs the basic step function. It also discusses how multiplicative parameters affect transformed step functions, including the effects of the signs of the parameters on the functions.

Uploaded by

welcometotheswamp
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GREATEST INTEGER (STEP) FUNCTION

[ x ] = the GREATEST INTEGER


that is less than or equal to x

[ 4.9 ] = [ 11 ] = [ 207.01 ] =

[0]= [ -7.9 ] = [ -12.1 ] =


[ 4.9 ] = 4 [ 11 ] = 11 [ 207.01 ] = 207

[0]=0 [ -7.9 ] = -8 [ -12.1 ] = -13

Easy rule: if x is an integer, then [ x ] = x

otherwise [ x ] is the first integer


to the left of x on a number line

TI Calculator:

MATH => NUM => 5) int(


Basic Step Function Graph

Closed circle on O
Closed/open
alternates on steps
“Step length” = 1
“Step height” = 1
Rule of Transformed Step Function:

f(x) = a [ b • x ]

The Role of Multiplicative Parameters


in Step Functions

a = “step height” (always written as + )

1/b = “step length” (always written as + )

Effects of the signs of "a" and "b"

+a -b +a +b
open-closed, dec closed-open, inc

this is NOT the


Cartesian plane

-a -b -a +b
open-closed, inc closed-open, dec

Review of Function Characteristics

1) Domain

2) Range

3) Zero(es)

4) Initial Value

5) Variation

6) Sign

7) Extrema

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