Evaluate Piecewise-Defined Function....2

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In summary, the function discussed is a piecewise-defined function with three different pieces representing different ranges of x values. When evaluated at x = 3, the bottom piece is used and the output is 1/3. When evaluated at x = -4, the upper piece is used and the output is 4. And when evaluated at x = 1/2, the middle piece is used and the output is 1/4. This method of evaluating different pieces of a function is important in more advanced math, as it shows that math extends beyond simple fractions.
  • #1
mathdad
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The following function is a piecewise-defined function.

y = | x | if -4 ≤ x < 0...upper piece

y = x^2 if 0 ≤ x < 1...middle piece

y = 1/x if 1 ≤ x ≤ 4...bottom piece

Evaluate when x = 3, x = -4 and x = 1/2.

For x = 3, use bottom piece.

y = 1/3

For x = -4, use upper piece.

y = | -4 |

y = 4

For x = 1/2, use middle piece

y = (1/2)^2

y = 1/4

Correct?
 
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  • #2
Yes, correct.
 
  • #3
Great. Another pad on the back for me. It feels good to get the right answer. Believe it or not, not too many people can handle precalculus. Some people add 1/2 + 3/4 and call themselves a mathematician. If they only knew that math extends beyond elementary school fractions, I think the title of mathematician would go into the toilet.
 

FAQ: Evaluate Piecewise-Defined Function....2

1. What is a piecewise-defined function?

A piecewise-defined function is a type of mathematical function that is defined by different expressions for different parts of its domain. This means that the function is defined differently depending on which interval or set of inputs the value falls into.

2. How do you evaluate a piecewise-defined function?

To evaluate a piecewise-defined function, you need to determine which expression applies to the given input. You can do this by looking at the different intervals or conditions that are defined for the function and finding which one includes the input value. Once you know which expression to use, simply plug in the input value and solve the equation.

3. What is the purpose of using a piecewise-defined function?

Piecewise-defined functions are useful for representing real-world situations where different rules or conditions apply in different cases. They can also be used to define complex mathematical functions in a more manageable way by breaking them down into simpler expressions.

4. Can a piecewise-defined function have more than two expressions?

Yes, a piecewise-defined function can have any number of expressions. The number of expressions depends on the number of conditions or intervals that are defined for the function. It is common for piecewise-defined functions to have multiple expressions, each corresponding to a different part of the domain.

5. How do you graph a piecewise-defined function?

To graph a piecewise-defined function, first plot the points for each expression separately, using the appropriate interval or condition. Then, connect the points with a solid line to create a continuous graph. It is important to pay attention to the domain and range of the function and make sure to only include the parts of the graph that are defined by the given conditions.

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