Absolute function into piecewise function

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on converting the function F(x) = x² - 5|x| into a piecewise function. The initial attempt included terms that were incorrectly simplified, leading to confusion about the disappearance of 'x' in the positive case. Clarifications reveal that for positive x, the function should be F(x) = x² - 5x, and for negative x, it should be F(x) = x² + 5x. Participants noted a potential typo in the textbook, as the provided answers did not align with the correct piecewise representation. The conversation concludes with an affirmation that understanding the correct formulation resolves the initial confusion.
Astraithious
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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!
 
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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!
 

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