1. Piecewise Functions

2. Definition of piecewise functions Piecewise functions are functions that are broken into pieces dependent upon the input. A piecewise function will have more than one function but each function will be defined only on a specific interval.

3. Graphing Piecewise functions Graph Graph the line y = 1 from negative infinity to -2 with a closed circle at -2 Graph the line 2 + x from -2 to 3 with an open circle at -2 and a closed circle at 3 Graph the line 2x from 3 to infinity with an open circle at 3

4. Answer

5. Evaluating a piecewise function To evaluate a piecewise function replace the independent variable with the given value in the appropriate equation determined by the intervals listed on the right.

6. Evaluating For find: Q(3) Q(-10) Q(6)

7. Answer Q(3)=10 (3 between -5 and 4 so 3+7=10) Q(-10)=15 (-10 less than -5 so 15) Q(6)=14 (6 greater than 4 so 3(6)-4=14)