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Express the function graphed on the axes below as a piecewise funcntion

Express the function graphed on the axes below as a piecewise funcntion-example-1
User Alex Shnayder
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1 Answer

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22 votes

Explanation:

remember that empty dots mean "exclusive", and dark, filled dots mean "inclusive".

then, regular line functions look like

y = ax + b

with a being the slope (ratio of y/x indicating how much y changes, when x changes), b being the y-intercept (y-value when x = 0).

the left part is simply a line parallel to the x-axis. the slope is 0, as the line is not climbing or declining.

so, it is simply

y = 4

the right part is a line going from (0, 5) to (6, 8).

x changes by +6 (from 0 to 6), y changes by +3 (from 5 to 8). so, the slope is 3/6 = 1/2

and with the starting point at the y-axis we have also the y-intercept.

so, the line equation there is

y = (1/2)x + 5

now together with the proper intervals of validity :

y = 4, -6 < x < 0

y = (1/2)x + 5, 0 < x <= 6

User GCon
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