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Piecewise Functions: A Function Can Be in Pieces

A piecewise function is a function defined by different formulas on different parts of the domain. It allows a function to behave differently based on the input value. An example piecewise function is defined to output x^2 when x is less than 2, output 6 when x is equal to 2, and output 10-x when x is between 2 and 6. Piecewise functions let functions model non-continuous or multi-part behaviors.

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66 views4 pages

Piecewise Functions: A Function Can Be in Pieces

A piecewise function is a function defined by different formulas on different parts of the domain. It allows a function to behave differently based on the input value. An example piecewise function is defined to output x^2 when x is less than 2, output 6 when x is equal to 2, and output 10-x when x is between 2 and 6. Piecewise functions let functions model non-continuous or multi-part behaviors.

Uploaded by

Kez Max
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Piecewise Functions

A Function Can be in Pieces


We can create functions that behave differently based on the input (x) value.

A function made up of 3 pieces

Example:

 when x is less than 2, it gives x2,


 when x is exactly 2 it gives 6
 when x is more than 2 and less than or equal to 6 it gives the
line 10-x

It looks like this:


(a solid dot means "including",
an open dot means "not including")

And this is how we write it:

The Domain (all the values that can go into the function) is all Real Numbers up
to and including 6, which we can write like this:

Dom(f) = (-∞, 6] (using Interval Notation)

Dom(f) = {x     | x ≤ 6} (using Set Builder Notation)


And here are some example values:

X Y
−4 16
−2 4
0 0
1 1
2 6
3 7

 
Example: Here is another piecewise function:

which looks like:  

What is h(−1)?

x is ≤ 1, so we use h(x) = 2, so h(−1) = 2

What is h(1)?

x is ≤ 1, so we use h(x) = 2, so h(1) = 2

What is h(4)?

x is > 1, so we use h(x) = x, so h(4) = 4

Piecewise functions let us make functions that do anything we want!

Example: A Doctor's fee is based on the length of time.

 Up to 6 minutes costs $50


 Over 6 and up to 15 minutes costs $80
 Over 15 minutes costs $80 plus $5 per minute above 15 minutes

Which we can write like this:


 

You visit for 12 minutes, what is the fee? $80

You visit for 20 minutes, what is the fee? $80+$5(20-15) = $105

The Absolute Value Function


The Absolute Value Function is a famous Piecewise Function.

It has two pieces:

 below zero: -x
 from 0 onwards: x

f(x) = |x|

The Floor Function


The Floor Function is a very special piecewise function. It has an infinite number
of pieces:

The Floor Function

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