Name Math 4 problem set

September 18 (H) or 21 (g), 2014 Graphs of piecewise-defined functions page 1

Graphs of piecewise-defined functions

Objective: Graph piecewise-defined functions and write piecewise formulas for graphs.
If a function has a piecewise definition, then typically its
graph will appear to be made out of smaller pieces that
represent each of the rules. For example, here’s a function
that has four rules.
⎧− x − 5, if − 10 ≤ x < −5
⎪ x + 5, if −5≤ x < 0
⎪
f ( x) = ⎨
⎪ − x + 5 if 0≤ x<5
⎪⎩ x − 5 if 5 ≤ x ≤ 10
The graph of f(x) is shown at the right. Since each of the
four rules is linear, the graph is made up of four line
segments (pieces of each of the four lines).

Problems
6. Here are some functions with two-piece definitions. Graph each function.
Part a is already done as an example. Work with your group on the others.
⎧− 2 x + 6 if x ≤1
a. f(x) = ⎨
⎩ x + 1 if x >1

Note the use of open and closed circles

to show that the point (1, 4) is part of
the graph, but (1, 2) is not. That’s
because x = 1 is covered by the first
part of the rule. As soon as x is greater
than 1, the second rule applies.

⎧ 2 x if x≥0
b. f(x) = ⎨
⎩ x − 4 if x<0

Hint: Think about what the whole

lines would look like for the equations
y = 2x and y = x – 4, but then draw only
part of each line.
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⎧ x + 2 if x<3
c. f(x) = ⎨
⎩ 7 if x≥3

⎧− x if x < −2
d. f(x) = ⎨ 2
⎩ x if x ≥ −2

⎧ 1 ( x − 1) + 5 if x≤2
e. f(x) = ⎨ 2
⎩− 2( x − 3) − 4 if x>2
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Check your answers

6b. 6c.

6d. 6e.

Examples: functions involving absolute value

Any ∨ or ∧ shaped graph can be described either as a function involving absolute value or as
a piecewise-defined function with two linear pieces.
For example, the basic absolute-value function (see p. 101 top if you’re unfamiliar with its
graph) has these two descriptions:
⎧− x if x < 0
f(x) = | x | OR f(x) = ⎨
⎩ x if x ≥ 0
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Below are some more examples involving either absolute value or a two-piece-linear definition.
First, here are equations of two lines, written in point-slope form. The lines go through the point
(3, 4) and have slopes of 2 and –2 respectively.
f(x) = 2(x – 3) + 4 f(x) = –2(x – 3) + 4

Now here are some functions made from pieces of the above lines. Each is described two ways:
using absolute value and using two linear pieces.
f(x) = 2 | x – 3| + 4 f(x) = –2 | x – 3| + 4
OR OR
⎧− 2( x − 3) + 4 if x<3 ⎧ 2( x − 3) + 4 if x<3
f(x) = ⎨ f(x) = ⎨
⎩ 2( x − 3) + 4 if x≥3 ⎩− 2( x − 3) + 4 if x≥3
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More problems
7. The graph of a function f(x) is given at the right.
a. Write a function formula for f(x)
involving absolute value.

b. Complete this two-piece function rule for f(x).

⎧_______________ if x < −5
f(x) = ⎨
⎩_______________ if x ≥ −5

8. Suppose f(x) = 3 | x + 1 | – 2.
a. Graph f(x) on the grid.

b. Write a function rule for f(x) that has two linear

pieces.

⎧ 1 ( x − 4) + 1 if x<4
9. Suppose f(x) = ⎨ 2 1
⎩− 2 ( x − 4) + 1 if x≥4
a. Graph f(x) on the grid.

b. Write a single function formula for f(x) involving

absolute value.
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10. Write a function rule with multiple pieces for each graph shown below.
a.

b. (Hint: the right part is a piece of a parabola.)

c.

• Optional extra problems: If you need more practice making piecewise-defined graphs, try p. 107
exercises 45, 48, and 51. (Looking at the basic graphs on pp. 99-101 may help with these.)