I seriously in this functions question Chop chop

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding hybrid functions, specifically focusing on the determination of domains and continuity at specific points. Participants explore examples of hybrid functions and their graphical representations, as well as the implications of using different inequality signs in defining domains.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to determine whether to use ≤ or < in the domain definitions of hybrid functions.
  • Another participant points out the values of the expressions at x=0 and discusses the choice of value for the composite function at that point.
  • There is a suggestion that the function could be continuous at x=0, allowing for different representations of the function without affecting its continuity.
  • One participant raises a similar question regarding the point x=2, implying that continuity may also apply there.
  • Another participant provides an example to clarify how to determine the value of a function at a specific point based on the defined intervals.
  • Several participants express varying degrees of confusion about the notation and the implications of the signs used in the function definitions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best way to express the domains of the hybrid functions, and there remains uncertainty regarding the implications of continuity and the choice of values at specific points.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the definitions and continuity, suggesting that there may be missing assumptions or a lack of clarity in the examples provided.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for tests on hybrid functions, educators looking for examples of function continuity, and anyone interested in the nuances of mathematical notation in piecewise functions.

lilsheltie
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hey guys, I'm new here but whatever, who cares.
ANYWAYS, I have this math question on hybrid functions.
I desperately need help for this cause I'll be having an important test next week.
HELP!

OK anyways, in hybrid function,
example:

this question asked me to form the function by giving me a hybrid functions graph.
So i managed to find f(x) but I had a problem understanding the domains.

2x-1 , x<0
f(x)= 3x²-2x , 0x≤2
4 , x>2​
ok my question is.. for the domain, how do you know if you put ≤ instead of < ? HOw come it is not x0 and 0<x≤2 instead?

PS: well if you don't really know how to explain, or don't really understand what I am trying to ask, then, it'll be helpful if you could provide me a link to a website I can go to for help on hybrid functions.

Thanks! (=
 
Last edited:
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At x=0, the expression 2x-1 has value -1.
At x=0, the expression 3x^2 - 2x has value 0.

For the composite function, you need to decide which value you want at x=0. It seems from above that you have chosen the function to have the value 0 at x=0.

See?

By the way, on a graph, where there is a discontinuity it is usual to put a closed or open dot to indicate the value at the discontinuity. So, for the function above, the 2x-1 line would have an open dot at the point (0,-1), while the 3x^2 - 2x curve would have a closed dot or circle at the point (0,0).
 
Last edited:
James R said:
At x=0, the expression 2x-1 has value -1.
At x=0, the expression 3x^2 - 2x has value 0.

For the composite function, you need to decide which value you want at x=0. It seems from above that you have chosen the function to have the value 0 at x=0.

See?

By the way, on a graph, where there is a discontinuity it is usual to put a closed or open dot to indicate the value at the discontinuity. So, for the function above, the 2x-1 line would have an open dot at the point (0,-1), while the 3x^2 - 2x curve would have a closed dot or circle at the point (0,0).

ok if u say that, this question comes from my textbook

Sketch the graph of the function

-2x-2 ,x<0
f(x)= x-2 , 0≤x<2
3x-6 , x≥2

how come at x=0, both expressions -2x-2 and x-2 has the same value at -2?
 
lilsheltie said:
ok if u say that, this question comes from my textbook

Sketch the graph of the function

-2x-2 ,x<0
f(x)= x-2 , 0≤x<2
3x-6 , x≥2

how come at x=0, both expressions -2x-2 and x-2 has the same value at -2?

Since in that case the function is continuous at x=0, you could just as easily write:

-2x-2 ,x0
f(x)= x-2 , 0≤x<2
3x-6 , x≥2

or even

-2x-2 ,x0
f(x)= x-2 , 0<x<2
3x-6 , x≥2

It would make no difference in this case.
 
You can ask the same question for the point x=2...:wink:It means that the function is continuous in the 2 points...I don't know if you know what that means,but it's useful to know that it's not essential for this problem...So basically,u have to draw 3 lines and that's it.Can u do that...?

Daniel.
 
James R said:
At x=0, the expression 2x-1 has value -1.
At x=0, the expression 3x^2 - 2x has value 0.

For the composite function, you need to decide which value you want at x=0. It seems from above that you have chosen the function to have the value 0 at x=0.

See?

By the way, on a graph, where there is a discontinuity it is usual to put a closed or open dot to indicate the value at the discontinuity. So, for the function above, the 2x-1 line would have an open dot at the point (0,-1), while the 3x^2 - 2x curve would have a closed dot or circle at the point (0,0).


erm, how did u know that
For the composite function, you need to decide which value you want at x=0. It seems from above that you have chosen the function to have the value 0 at x=0.
 
dextercioby: I seriously have zilch idea on what you're trying to say?
 
Perfect,at least can u draw tha graph...?

Daniel.
 
I can but it's not the drawing of the graph that I am having a problem with, it's the... detestable signs. ARGHH!
 
  • #10
What do you mean signs...?It's just + and -...There's nothing complicated about it.Basically u'll have to plot the function on each interval.

Daniel.
 
  • #11
lilsheltie:

Let me give you a simple example.

Suppose we have

[itex]f(x) = 3,\qquad x \geq 1[/itex]
[itex]f(x) = 7, \qquad x < 1[/itex]

What is the value of f(x) at x=1? Well, which interval contains x=1? Obviously, the interval [itex]x < 1[/itex] doesn't include x=1, so that part of the function definition doesn't apply. On the other hand, the other part of the function does include x=1. Therefore, for this function f(1) = 3, and f(1) definitely doesn't equal 7.

Now compare the function in your original question, at the point x=0. Which interval contains x=0?
 
  • #12
James R said:
Since in that case the function is continuous at x=0, you could just as easily write:

-2x-2 ,x0
f(x)= x-2 , 0≤x<2
3x-6 , x≥2

or even

-2x-2 ,x0
f(x)= x-2 , 0<x<2
3x-6 , x≥2

It would make no difference in this case.


ok. I didn't know that.
 
  • #13
James R said:
lilsheltie:

Let me give you a simple example.

Suppose we have

[itex]f(x) = 3,\qquad x \geq 1[/itex]
[itex]f(x) = 7, \qquad x < 1[/itex]

What is the value of f(x) at x=1? Well, which interval contains x=1? Obviously, the interval [itex]x < 1[/itex] doesn't include x=1, so that part of the function definition doesn't apply. On the other hand, the other part of the function does include x=1. Therefore, for this function f(1) = 3, and f(1) definitely doesn't equal 7.

Now compare the function in your original question, at the point x=0. Which interval contains x=0?

Huh? Ok I've given you quite a few examples so I am pretty much confused.
Anyways, I kinda get the picture now! (=
 

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