Absolute function into piecewise function

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around expressing the function F(x) = x² - 5|x| as a piecewise function. Participants are examining the implications of the absolute value on the function's expression and its transformation into piecewise form.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the piecewise function by considering the cases for positive and negative values of x. Questions arise regarding the disappearance of the x term in the book's version of the function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion about the book's representation of the function. Some suggest that the book may contain a typo, while others are verifying their interpretations by substituting values for x. There is a mix of perspectives on the correctness of the book's solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the function must be expressed correctly in piecewise form, and there is a focus on clarifying the definitions and transformations involved in handling absolute values.

Astraithious
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Write F(x)= x2-5|x| as a piecewise function

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I was writting it out and came to
Fx= x2-5(x) and x2-5(-x)

but my book says that it comes out to be
x2-5
x2-5(-x)

I imagine there is a very simple reason why the x in the first one disappears but i would love an explanation, thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Astraithious said:

Homework Statement


Write F(x)= x2-5|x| as a piecewise function

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I was writting it out and came to
Fx= x2-5(x) and x2-5(-x)

but my book says that it comes out to be
x2-5
x2-5(-x)

I imagine there is a very simple reason why the x in the first one disappears but i would love an explanation, thank you!
Looks like a typo in the book.

For positive x, you indeed get F(x)=x²-5x, and for negative x you get F(x)=x²+5x.
 
Astraithious said:

Homework Statement


Write F(x)= x2-5|x| as a piecewise function

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I was writting it out and came to
Fx= x2-5(x) and x2-5(-x)

but my book says that it comes out to be
x2-5
x2-5(-x)

I imagine there is a very simple reason why the x in the first one disappears but i would love an explanation, thank you!

You can verify that the book is wrong by filling in x values
 
Astraithious said:

Homework Statement


Write F(x)= x2-5|x| as a piecewise function

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I was writting it out and came to
Fx= x2-5(x) and x2-5(-x)

but my book says that it comes out to be
x2-5
x2-5(-x)

I imagine there is a very simple reason why the x in the first one disappears but i would love an explanation, thank you!
Your answers appear to be identical with the book's so I don't know what your problem is. It would then be usual to write it in the form that Samy did, and also when setting out piecewise functions you have to indicate the range either side of the form.
 
epenguin said:
Your answers appear to be identical with the book's so I don't know what your problem is.
No, the book has x2-5 instead of x2-5x.
 
thank you everybody this was a great relief
 
Knowing the answer that's what I read when I see something else!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K