Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Piecewise Functions
A piecewise function is defined by multiple sub-functions, each applicable to a specific interval of the domain. Understanding how to interpret these segments is crucial for graphing, as each piece has its own formula that dictates the output based on the input value. For example, in the function f(x) given, different expressions are used depending on whether x is less than -4, between -4 and 3, or greater than 3.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing piecewise functions requires plotting each segment separately according to its defined interval. This involves determining the endpoints of each segment, checking for inclusivity (whether endpoints are included in the interval), and ensuring that the transitions between segments are clearly marked. For instance, the function f(x) has different linear equations that need to be graphed in their respective ranges.
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Continuity and Discontinuity
When graphing piecewise functions, it is important to analyze the continuity at the boundaries where the function changes from one piece to another. A function is continuous if there are no breaks or jumps in the graph at these points. In the provided function, one must check if the values at x = -4 and x = 3 from the different segments match, which determines whether the graph is continuous or has a jump discontinuity.
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