Chapter 0: Problem 27
Express the function in piecewise form without using absolute values. (a) \(f(x)=|x|+3 x+1\) (b) \(g(x)=|x|+|x-1|\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) \(f(x) = \begin{cases} 4x+1, & x \geq 0 \\ 2x+1, & x < 0 \end{cases}\)
(b) \(g(x) = \begin{cases} 2x-1, & x \geq 1 \\ 1, & 0 \leq x < 1 \\ 1-2x, & x < 0 \end{cases}\)
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Absolute Value
For any real number, the absolute value \(|a|\) is defined as \(a\) if \(a \geq 0\) and \(-a\) if \(a < 0\). We'll use this definition to remove the absolute value signs from the functions.
02
Rewrite \(f(x)\) for \(x \geq 0\)
For the function \(f(x) = |x| + 3x + 1\), when \(x \geq 0\), the absolute value of \(x\) is \(x\) itself. Therefore, \(f(x) = x + 3x + 1 = 4x + 1\).
03
Rewrite \(f(x)\) for \(x < 0\)
When \(x < 0\), the absolute value of \(x\) is \(-x\). Thus, the function becomes \(f(x) = -x + 3x + 1 = 2x + 1\).
04
Piecewise Form for \(f(x)\)
Putting the two scenarios together, the piecewise function for \(f(x)\) is: \[f(x) = \begin{cases} 4x + 1, & \text{if } x \geq 0 \ 2x + 1, & \text{if } x < 0 \end{cases}\]
05
Rewrite \(g(x)\) for \(x \geq 1\)
For \(g(x) = |x| + |x-1|\), when \(x \geq 1\), we have \(|x| = x\) and \(|x-1| = x-1\). Thus, \(g(x) = x + (x-1) = 2x - 1\).
06
Rewrite \(g(x)\) for \(0 \leq x < 1\)
When \(0 \leq x < 1\), the absolute value function \(|x| = x\) and \(|x-1| = 1-x\). Therefore, \(g(x) = x + (1-x) = 1\).
07
Rewrite \(g(x)\) for \(x < 0\)
For \(x < 0\), \(|x| = -x\) and \(|x-1| = 1-x\), so \(g(x) = -x + (1-x) = 1 - 2x\).
08
Piecewise Form for \(g(x)\)
Combining the different cases, the piecewise function for \(g(x)\) is: \[g(x) = \begin{cases} 2x - 1, & \text{if } x \geq 1 \ 1, & \text{if } 0 \leq x < 1 \ 1 - 2x, & \text{if } x < 0 \end{cases}\]
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number is like its distance from zero on a number line, and it always results in a non-negative value. This is a fundamental concept in mathematics and is very useful in evaluating expressions where the sign of a number changes depending on its value.
For example, the absolute value of \( -5 \) is 5, because \( -5 \) is 5 units away from zero.
For example, the absolute value of \( -5 \) is 5, because \( -5 \) is 5 units away from zero.
- If the number is positive or zero, its absolute value is the number itself: \( |a| = a \) for \( a \geq 0 \).
- If the number is negative, its absolute value is its opposite: \( |a| = -a \) for \( a < 0 \).
Function Definition
A function can be thought of as a mathematical machine that produces an output from a given input according to a specific rule. For every input, there is exactly one output. This is an important property of functions.
The definition of a function requires the specification of:
The definition of a function requires the specification of:
- The **domain**, which is the set of all possible inputs.
- The **range**, which is the set of all possible outputs.
- A **rule** that tells us which input is connected to which output.
Function Transformation
Function transformation refers to the operations that alter the appearance or position of the graph of a function. These transformations include shifting, stretching, and reflecting functions. Predictably transforming a function’s graph is a valuable skill in both basic and advanced mathematics.
When working with piecewise functions that include absolute values,
When working with piecewise functions that include absolute values,
- We often translate or shift these functions horizontally or vertically based on changes to the equation.
- Reflections occur when we substitute elements, such as changing a positive slope to a negative one.
- Stretching or compressing graphs involves multiplying terms within the function, which alters the rate at which the function increases or decreases.