College Algebra / Unit 5 Alg 254 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Piecewise-Defined Functions
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The idea
A piecewise-defined function applies different formulas on different pieces of its domain; the input picks the formula.
In practice
Let f(x) = x + 1 for x < 0 and x² for x ≥ 0: f(−2) = −1 by the first rule, f(2) = 4 by the second.
Where people slip
Check which piece owns the boundary.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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