Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Piecewise-Defined Functions
A piecewise-defined function is a function that is defined by different expressions or rules over different intervals of its domain. Each piece of the function applies to a specific range of input values, allowing for flexibility in modeling various behaviors. For example, a function might be linear in one interval and quadratic in another.
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Domain and Range
The domain of a function refers to the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined, while the range is the set of all possible output values (y-values) that the function can produce. Understanding the domain and range is crucial for analyzing the behavior of piecewise functions, as each piece may have its own specific domain and range.
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Graph Interpretation
Interpreting graphs is essential for understanding piecewise-defined functions. The graph visually represents how the function behaves across different intervals. In the provided graph, the function has two horizontal segments, indicating constant values at y = 5 and y = -3, which correspond to specific x-values, helping to identify the rules for each piece.
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