Graphing
We can use a graphing calculator to give us a visual representation of what the piecewise function looks like:
Listing Intercepts
We can find the x and y-intercepts by looking at the graph.
The x-intercepts are where the piecewise function crosses the x-axis.
• x = 0.5
The y-intercepts are where the piecewise function crosses the y-axis.
• y = -1
Finding f(1)
We can directly use the mathematical function to find f(1).
Since 1 is less than 2, we will have to use the top equation of the piecewise function:
Therefore, f(1) = 1.
Finding f(2)
We can use the same method as the section above.
Since 2 is equal to 2, we will have to use the bottom equation of the piecewise function:
Therefore, f(2) = 5.