Subject Code Math 5 Differential Calculus

Guide Code 2.0 Review of Functions and Introduction to Limits

Lesson Code 2.2.1 Piecewise-defined Functions
Time Limit 30 minutes

Time Actual
Allocatio Time
Components Sample Tasks n Allocation
(in (in
minutes)a minutes)b

Target By the end of this guide, the students will have been able to: 0.5

i. Define piecewise-defined function.

ii. Evaluate piecewise-defined function.

Hook In Figure 1, a graph of function 𝑀 is shown, how many

functions can you identify? What do we call each of these 3
functions?

Figure 1 The graph of 𝑀(𝑥).

The graph is composed of three different functions,

namely;
- Linear function (red)
- Quadratic function (blue)
- Constant function (purple)

Can you determine the specific equation of these three

functions by just using the data shown in the graph? How?

Yes, we can determine the specific equations of these three

functions using the data in the graph shown, such as;

Let 𝐹 be the Linear function, its domain is [−3, −1) and

we can use the endpoints of the line segment to determine its
equation. Hence, 𝐹(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 for −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1. See Figure 2(a).

Mathematics 5 | Page 1 of 9
 Let 𝐺 be the Quadratic function, its domain is [−1,1) and
using the points of the parabola like vertex and its endpoints, we
have, 𝐺 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 for −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1. See Figure 2(b).

Let 𝐻 be the Constant function, its domain is [1,3] and

using the points of the segment, we have, 𝐻 (𝑥) = 1 for 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3.
See Figure 2(b).

(a) 𝐹(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2, −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1 (b) 𝐺(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1, −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1 (c) 𝐻(𝑥) = 1, 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3

Figure 2 Three graphs of different functions with specific domains.

Since these functions were graphed as one and named 𝑀(𝑥), then
how do we express the function 𝑀?

Since 𝑀(𝑥) is a combination of these three functions, such as

𝐹, 𝐺, 𝐻, we can express 𝑀 as

𝑥 + 2 , −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1
𝑀(𝑥) = { 𝑥 2 + 1 , −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
1 , 1≤𝑥≤3

What kind of function is 𝑀? Let us find out below in this lesson.

Ignite What is Piecewise-defined function? In the given example above, 10

the function

𝑥 + 2 , −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1
𝑀 𝑥 = { 𝑥 2 + 1 , −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
( )
1 , 1≤𝑥≤3

is called piecewise-defined function. Larson et. al (2007) defined

piecewise-defined function as:

DEFINITION

𝑃𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 − 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 are functions

represented by a combination of equations, each
corresponding to a part of the domain.

In a given piecewise-defined function, each piece of

equation behaves differently based on the domain set or assigned to
each piece. Pieces could be single point, lines or any curves. In the
given function 𝑀(𝑥), the given domain;

Mathematics 5 | Page 2 of 9
 −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1 represents the function 𝑥 + 2
−1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1 represents the function 𝑥 2 + 1
1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3 represents the constant function 1.

How do we evaluate piecewise-defined functions?

NOTE

When evaluating piecewise function, we need to

determine which piece or equation of the function to be
used by determining which domain or interval the value of
𝑥 belongs to.

Let us discuss some examples on how to evaluate such function.

Example 1 | Evaluating Piecewise-defined Function

The piecewise-defined function is given by

𝑥 + 2 , −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1
𝑀(𝑥) = { 𝑥 2 + 1 , −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
1 , 1≤𝑥≤3

Evaluate 𝑀(𝑥) when:

a) 𝑥 = −2 b) 𝑥 = 0 c) 𝑥 = 1

Solution

a) It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑀(𝑥) when

𝑥 = −2. An 𝑥 −value of −2 falls into the first piece of the function,
where 𝑀 (𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2, −3 ≤ 𝑥 < −1. Therefore,

𝑀(−2) = (−2) + 2 = 0.

b) It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑀(𝑥) when

𝑥 = 0. An 𝑥 −value of 0 falls into the second piece of the function,
where 𝑀 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1, −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 1. Therefore,

𝑀(0) = (0)2 = 1.

c) It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑀(𝑥) when

𝑥 = 1. An 𝑥 −value of 1 falls into the third piece of the function,
where 𝑀 (𝑥) = 1, 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3. Therefore,

𝑀 (1) = 1.

Mathematics 5 | Page 3 of 9
Example 2 | Evaluating Piecewise-defined Function Given a Graph

Using the graph in

Figure 3, evaluate
the following:

a) 𝑀(−2)

b) 𝑀(−1)

5
c) 𝑀 ( )
2
Figure 3 The graph of 𝑀(𝑥).
Solution

a) In Figure 3(a), when 𝑥 = −2, the point can be found along the
line segment that goes up from left to right, hence, this graph passes
through the point (−2, 0). Thus, 𝑀(−2) = 0.

b) In Figure 3(b), when 𝑥 = −1 the value of 𝑦 is 2, which is the

initial point of the curve from left to right. Thus, 𝑀(−1) = 2.
Note: The value of 𝑀(−1) cannot be 1 since the point
(−1,1) is hollow.
5
c) In Figure 3(c), when 𝑥 = 2 the value of 𝑦 is 1, which is a point
5
of the line segment in Quadrant I. Thus, 𝑀 ( ) = 1.
2

a b c

Figure 3 The graph of 𝑀(𝑥).

GENERALIZATION

Let 𝑓(𝑥) be a function and 𝑥 = 𝑎. To determine the

value of 𝑓(𝑎), we follow the steps below:
Case 1: When the piecewise-defined function is given.
1. Determine which part of the domain the value
of 𝑥 belong to.
2. Determine the piece or equation to be used.
3. Substitute the value of the independent
variable, 𝑥 = 𝑎, to all the 𝑥 ′ 𝑠 in the given
function.
4. Simplify the results.

Mathematics 5 | Page 4 of 9
 Case 2: When the graph of the piecewise-defined
function is given.
1. Locate 𝑥 = 𝑎 in the coordinate plane along the
𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
2. Construct a vertical line from 𝑥 = 𝑎.
3. Determine the point of intersection of this
vertical line and the graph.
4. The 𝑦 −value (ordinate) of the point of
intersection is the value of 𝑓(𝑎).

To learn more about evaluating functions click the link below.

https://youtu.be/EMrgkBSxNCs

Navigate
10
LET US PRACTICE

Evaluate (if possible) the function at the given value(s)

of the independent variable. Simplify the results.

−𝑥 3 , 𝑥 < 0
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = {2 − 𝑥, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3
4, 𝑥 > 3

a) 𝑓 (−2) b) 𝑓(0) c) 𝑓(3) d) 𝑓(2020)

−𝑥 + 4, 𝑥 < −2
2
2. 𝐻 (𝑥) = {𝑥 − 1 , −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0
−3, 𝑥>0

3
a) 𝐻 (0) b) 𝐻 (−2) c) 𝐻 (2) d) 𝐻 (2)

Mathematics 5 | Page 5 of 9
Knot
In this lesson, you have learned how to evaluate and sketch 1.5
the graph of piecewise-defined functions. Below is the summary of
all the topics discussed.

 A 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 − 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 are functions

represented by a combination of equations, each
corresponding to a part of the domain.

 When evaluating piecewise function, we

need to determine which piece or equation
of the function to be used by determining
which domain or interval the value of 𝑥
belongs to.

 Let 𝑓(𝑥) be a function and 𝑥 = 𝑎. To determine

the value of 𝑓(𝑎), we follow the steps below:

Case 1: When the piecewise-defined function is given.

1. Determine which part of the domain the

value of 𝑥 belong to.
2. Determine the piece or equation to be used.
3. Substitute the value of the independent
variable, 𝑥 = 𝑎, to all the 𝑥 ′ 𝑠 in the given
function.
4. Simplify the results.

Case 2: When the graph of the piecewise-defined

function is given.

1. Locate 𝑥 = 𝑎 in the coordinate plane along

the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
2. Construct a vertical line from 𝑥 = 𝑎.
3. Determine the point of intersection of this
vertical line and the graph.
4. The 𝑦 −value (ordinate) of the point of
intersection is the value of 𝑓(𝑎).

Mathematics 5 | Page 6 of 9
 ASSESSMENT 5
Evaluate (if possible) the function at the given value(s)
of the independent variable. Simplify the results.

𝑥 2 − 1, −5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0
‫ۓ‬
1 − 𝑥2 , 0 < 𝑥 < 2
1) Given ℎ(𝑥) =
‫۔‬ 4 ,𝑥 = 2
‫ە‬ξ𝑥 2 − 4, 𝑥 > 2
Determine the following:
3
a) ℎ(0) b) ℎ(2) c) ℎ (2)

2) Use the graph of 𝑄 (𝑥) on the right to determine

the following;

a) 𝑄(−2)

b) 𝑄(2)

c) 𝑄(2020)

Brilliant.org

a
suggested time allocation set by the teacher
b
actual time spent by the student (for information purposes only)

REFERENCES

Albarico, J.M. (2013). THINK Framework. (Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.)
Science LINKS. Rex Bookstore, Inc.)

Larson, R., Boswell, L., Kanold, T., & Stiff, L. (2007). McDougal Little Algebra 2
Applications, Equations and Grpahs. Washington: Houghton Mifflin.

Larson, R. & Edwards, B.H. (2010). Calculus, 9th Ed. US: CENGAGE Learning.
Swakowski, E., and Cole, J., 2010. Algebra and Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry, 12ed.
CENGAGE Learning.

Piecewise Functions. Brilliant.org. Retrieved 14:29, July 14, 2020, from

https://brilliant.org/wiki/piecewise-functions/

Mathematics 5 | Page 7 of 9
 Icon used for references was grabbed from https://www.flaticon.com.
The graphs were constructed from https://www.geogebra.org .

Prepared by: Romeo M. Madrona, Jr. Reviewed by: Julius O. Albina

Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) I Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) IV
Campus: PSHS-CALABARZON Campus: PSHS- Central Visayas Campus

Mathematics 5 | Page 8 of 9
 SOLUTION KEY TO LET US PRACTICE
Odd numbers only.

−𝑥 3 , 𝑥 < 0
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = {2 − 𝑥, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3
4, 𝑥 > 3
(
a) 𝑓 −2 )
It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 = −2. An 𝑥 −value of −2 falls
into the first piece of the function, where 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 3 , 𝑥 < 0. Therefore,

𝑓 (−2) = −(−2)3 = 8.
b) 𝑓(0)
It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 = 0. An 𝑥 −value of 0 falls
into the second piece of the function, where 𝑓 (𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3. Therefore,

𝑓 (0) = 2 − 0 = 2.
c) 𝑓(3)
It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 = 3. An 𝑥 −value of 3 falls
into the second piece of the function, where 𝑓 (𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3. Therefore,

𝑓 (3) = 2 − 3 = −1.
d) 𝑓(2020)
It indicates that we want to determine the value of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 = 2020. An 𝑥 −value of 2020
falls into the third piece of the function, where 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, 𝑥 > 3. Therefore,

𝑓(2020) = 4.

Mathematics 5 | Page 9 of 9