Question

In Example 8 and Exercises 89 and 90 we are given functions whose graphs consist of horizontal line segments. Such functions are often called step functions, because their graphs look like stairs. Give some other examples of step functions that arise in everyday life.

Answer 1

Step functions are functions with graphs that consist of horizontal line segments. Examples of step functions in everyday life include price ranges of products, temperature changes throughout the day, and the number of people in a line at a store.

Step-by-step explanation:

Step functions are functions whose graphs consist of horizontal line segments. Examples of step functions that arise in everyday life include:

• The price of a product at different quantity ranges (e.g. $10 for 1-10 units, $8 for 11-20 units, etc.)
• The temperature changes throughout the day (e.g. the temperature is constant from 9am to 12pm, then increases and stays constant until 6pm, etc.)
• The number of people in a line at a store depending on the time of day (e.g. the number remains constant during slow periods, then increases dramatically during peak hours, etc.)