Chapter 3: Problem 69
Sketch the graph of each piecewise-defined function. Write the domain and range of each function. $$ g(x)=\left\\{\begin{array}{ll} {|x-2|} & {\text { if } \quad x<0} \\ {-x^{2}} & {\text { if } \quad x \geq 0} \end{array}\right. $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Domain: \((-\infty, \infty)\); Range: \((-\infty, 2)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Conditions
The function is piecewise-defined, meaning it behaves differently based on the value of \(x\). The first part \(|x-2|\) applies when \(x < 0\), and the second part \(-x^2\) applies when \(x \geq 0\).
02
Analyze Each Piece
For \(x < 0\), the expression is \(|x-2|\). Since \(x < 0\), \(x - 2\) is negative, thus \(|x-2| = 2-x\). For \(x \geq 0\), the expression is \(-x^2\), a downward-opening parabola.
03
Determine the Domain
The domain of \(g(x)\) is determined by the union of the intervals defined by the piecewise function. Hence, the domain is \( (-\infty, \infty) \) as both intervals cover all real numbers together.
04
Determine the Range
The first piece \(2-x\) for \(x < 0\) increases without bound as \(x\) approaches 0 from the left, giving range \((2, \infty)\). The second piece \(-x^2\) for \(x \geq 0\) yields the range \((-\infty, 0]\). Combining these, the range of \(g(x)\) is \((-\infty, 2)\).
05
Sketch the Graph
On the left of the y-axis (\(x < 0\)), graph the line from \(f(x) = 2-x\). Start from the point where \(x \to -\infty\) and approach the point at \(x = 0\), open circle at \((0,2)\). On the right (\(x \geq 0\)), graph the parabola \(-x^2\), which touches the y-axis at 0 going downward.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Domain and Range
Understanding the domain and range of piecewise-defined functions is crucial for analyzing them. The **domain** refers to all possible input values (x-values) for the function. In our example, the domain is the set of all real numbers,
[
(-∞, ∞),
because each piece of the function is defined either for all x less than 0 or all x greater than or equal to 0.
The **range** of a function is the set of all possible output values. For our piecewise-defined function, we have distinct ranges for each piece:(-∞, 2) , as the two pieces hold different intervals for their outputs.
The **range** of a function is the set of all possible output values. For our piecewise-defined function, we have distinct ranges for each piece:
- For
x < 0 , the absolute value function|x-2| results in values ranging from 2 to ∞ (as x approaches 0 from the left), yielding(2, ∞). - For
x ≥ 0 , the quadratic function -x2 produces outputs from -∞ to a maximum of 0 (at x=0), resulting in(-∞, 0] .
Graphing Functions
To graph piecewise-defined functions, we plot each segment separately. This involves carefully considering where each portion of the function applies, using open or closed circles to indicate whether endpoints are included.
- For the segment where
x < 0 , the function is defined by |x-2| = 2-x. Since |x-2| starts with an open circle at (0,2), we draw this linear segment as a straight line extending leftwards without any upper boundary. - For
x ≥ 0 , we plot the parabola -x2. This quadratic segment touches the y-axis at the point (0,0), where the function changes, and it opens downward, curving downwards.
Absolute Value
The **absolute value** of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, disregarding its sign.
For the function
|x-2|
when
x<0 ,
considering
x - 2
makes it clearer. Since x is always less than zero in this part,
x - 2
will be negative, requiring you to "flip" the sign inside the absolute value bars to
2-x .
This subtle flipping is why |x-2| transforms into 2-x when x is negative. The absolute value function typically results in a V-shaped graph; however, due to the conditions given, only the linear path for x < 0 is seen here.
This subtle flipping is why |x-2| transforms into 2-x when x is negative. The absolute value function typically results in a V-shaped graph; however, due to the conditions given, only the linear path for x < 0 is seen here.
Quadratic Functions
Quadratic functions are characterized by the variable x being squared, which forms a parabolic shape when graphed. The general form is
ax² + bx + c .
For the piece
-x2,
we specifically have a downward-opening parabola since the coefficient of x2 is negative.
In this case, given the conditionx ≥ 0 ,
only the right side of the parabola is visible. It starts at the origin and curves downward because of the -x2 terms.
Key characteristics of quadratic functions include:
In this case, given the condition
Vertex: The highest or lowest point of the parabola. Here, it's a maximum at (0,0).Axis of symmetry: A vertical line that divides the parabola into symmetrical halves. Here, it is the y-axis itself.Direction: The parabola opens downward, as indicated by the negative leading coefficient.