Graphing Beginner Level Piecewise Functions

In this video tutorial, Mark Heredos introduces piecewise functions, explaining their structure and how they are defined using conditional statements. The tutorial covers graphing a beginner-level piecewise function with three distinct pieces, each represented by a horizontal line at different y-values. The video demonstrates how to graph each piece according to its domain, using open and closed circles to indicate inclusivity. The tutorial concludes with a preview of upcoming videos on intermediate and advanced problems.

What is a piecewise function?

• A function defined by multiple equations over different intervals.

• A function that is always linear.

• A function defined by a single equation.

• A function that only has one piece.

How many pieces does the example piecewise function have?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What does f(x) stand for in function notation?

• a

• z

• y

• x

What is the value of y for the first piece of the function when x is less than 1?

• y = 3

• y = 1

• y = 4

• y = -2

What type of line is used to indicate the boundary at x = 1?

• Double line

• Dotted line

• Dashed line

• Solid line

What is the y-value for the second piece of the function between x = 1 and x = 3?

• y = -2

• y = 3

• y = 1

• y = 4

What type of circle is used at x = 1 for the second piece of the function?

• No circle

• Closed circle

• Open circle

• Half-filled circle

What is the y-value for the third piece of the function when x is greater than 3?

• y = 1

• y = 4

• y = 3

• y = -2

What type of circle is used at x = 3 for the third piece of the function?

• Open circle

• No circle

• Closed circle

• Half-filled circle

What should you do if you want to learn more about piecewise functions?

• Read a novel.

• Play video games.

• Watch more videos on Math Guide.

• Ignore the topic.