Questions: Suppose that the function f is defined, for all real numbers as follows:
f(x) =
- 3x + 1 if x < -2
- x - 3 if x ≥ -2
Graph the function f. Then determine whether or not the
Transcript text: Suppose that the function $f$ is defined, for all real num
\[
f(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}
3 x+1 & \text { if } x<-2 \\
x-3 & \text { if } x \geq-2
\end{array}\right.
\]
Graph the function $f$. Then determine whether or not th
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understand the Piecewise Function
The function \( f(x) \) is defined as:
\[ f(x) = \begin{cases}
3x + 1 & \text{if } x < -2 \\
x - 3 & \text{if } x \geq -2
\end{cases} \]
Step 2: Graph the First Piece of the Function
For \( x < -2 \), the function is \( f(x) = 3x + 1 \). This is a linear function with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of 1. Plot this line for values of \( x \) less than -2.
Step 3: Graph the Second Piece of the Function
For \( x \geq -2 \), the function is \( f(x) = x - 3 \). This is a linear function with a slope of 1 and a y-intercept of -3. Plot this line for values of \( x \) greater than or equal to -2.
Final Answer
To graph the function \( f(x) \):
Draw the line \( 3x + 1 \) for \( x < -2 \).
Draw the line \( x - 3 \) for \( x \geq -2 \).
The graph will have a break at \( x = -2 \) where the function changes from one piece to the other.