# How can i sketch the graph of a step function

1. Jan 27, 2007

### elton_fan

could you give me the method of sketching the graph of a step function
here is an example:
N(t)=25(2||t+2/2||-t)

thanks a lot for your help

2. Jan 27, 2007

### arildno

Pleas write maths properly! :grumpy:

Do you mean:
$$N(t)=25(2|t+\frac{2}{2}|-t)$$
Or:
$$N(t)=25(2|\frac{t+2}{2}|-t)$$

3. Jan 27, 2007

### elton_fan

second one. sorry don't be very furious since i'm new to the forum
$$N(t)=25(2|\frac{t+2}{2}|-t)$$

4. Jan 27, 2007

### arildno

I am only seething a little..

Now, "2" is a positive number!
Can you simplify the product between the "2" and the absolute value expression a bit?

5. Jan 27, 2007

### elton_fan

no sorry isn't an absolute value
is a step function

6. Jan 27, 2007

### arildno

Okay, is it a floor function (equal to the greatest integer lower than the argument), or a roof function (equal to the smallest integer greater than the argument)?

7. Jan 27, 2007

### elton_fan

it's a greatest integer function

Last edited: Jan 27, 2007
8. Jan 27, 2007

### arildno

I'm unfamiliar with term "great integer function".

I'll proceed as if it is a floor function:

Now, we see that for t-values [itex]2n\leq{t}<{2(n+1)}[/tex], the floor function has the function value n+1

Thus, in that interval, we have:
$$50(n+1-2(n+1))\leq{N(t)}\leq{50}(n+1-2n)$$, having its maximum value at t=2n, descending linearly to the limiting value -50(n+1) at t=2(n+1)

9. Jan 29, 2007

### mydarshankumar

i think the above ans wrong

10. Jan 30, 2007

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Would you mind greatly telling why you think that?