Evaluate Piecewise-Defined Function....2

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SUMMARY

The discussion evaluates a piecewise-defined function with three segments: y = |x| for -4 ≤ x < 0, y = x² for 0 ≤ x < 1, and y = 1/x for 1 ≤ x ≤ 4. The evaluations for specific values are as follows: for x = 3, y = 1/3; for x = -4, y = 4; and for x = 1/2, y = 1/4. The correctness of these evaluations is confirmed, highlighting the importance of understanding piecewise functions in precalculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of piecewise-defined functions
  • Knowledge of absolute value functions
  • Familiarity with quadratic functions
  • Basic understanding of rational functions
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  • Study the properties of piecewise functions in detail
  • Learn how to graph piecewise-defined functions
  • Explore applications of absolute value functions in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the behavior of rational functions near their asymptotes
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Students studying precalculus, educators teaching mathematics, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of piecewise functions and their evaluations.

mathdad
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The following function is a piecewise-defined function.

y = | x | if -4 ≤ x < 0...upper piece

y = x^2 if 0 ≤ x < 1...middle piece

y = 1/x if 1 ≤ x ≤ 4...bottom piece

Evaluate when x = 3, x = -4 and x = 1/2.

For x = 3, use bottom piece.

y = 1/3

For x = -4, use upper piece.

y = | -4 |

y = 4

For x = 1/2, use middle piece

y = (1/2)^2

y = 1/4

Correct?
 
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Yes, correct.
 
Great. Another pad on the back for me. It feels good to get the right answer. Believe it or not, not too many people can handle precalculus. Some people add 1/2 + 3/4 and call themselves a mathematician. If they only knew that math extends beyond elementary school fractions, I think the title of mathematician would go into the toilet.
 

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