Algebra 2 6-4 Special Functions Name

______________1

Functions that are represented by more than one equation

are called compound functions or piecewise functions.

Example 1: Evaluate the function for x when x is equal to -2, 2,

8, and 12. Then graph the function.

a. f(x) = x + 2, x ≥ 6
3x – 4, x < 6

f(-2) = ______________

f(2) = ______________

f(8) = ______________

f(12) = ______________

b. f(x) = -4, x ≥ 2
2
x – 8, x < 2

f(-2) = ______________

f(2) = ______________

f(8) = ______________

f(12) = ______________

c. f(x) = 3, 0 ≤ x < 4
Algebra 2 6-4 Special Functions Name
______________2
4, 4 ≤ x < 10
6, 10 ≤ x

f(-2) = ______________

f(2) = ______________

f(8) = ______________

f(12) = ______________

Write the absolute value function f(x) = | 3x + 2| as a

compound function.

1st Find the vertex by letting 3x + 2 = 0 and solving for x. Find

corresponding y value. Plot that point.

2nd Find y-intercept by letting x = 0. Plot that point and reflect

across axis of symmetry. Sketch the graph.

3rd Rewrite as 2 equations, f(x) = - (3x + 2)

3x + 2
then look at the graph to determine the domain of each
function.

Example 2: Write the absolute value functions as compound

functions.
Algebra 2 6-4 Special Functions Name
______________3
a. f(x) = | 12 – 3x| b. g(x) = - | 2x + 1|

Some compound functions that are defined by many different

equations. One type is called a step function because its graph
looks like stair steps.

Example 3: Sketch the graphs.

a. 4, -2 ≤ x<3
6, 3 ≤ x<5
y= 9, 5 ≤ x<6
12, 6 ≤ x < 10

b. A fitness center charges customers $ 10 per hour or any

fraction thereof. Draw a graph that represents this situation.
Algebra 2 6-4 Special Functions Name
______________4

First think about the cost of ¼ hr., ½ hr., 1 ¼ hr, etc.

Checking for understanding:

1. Why do “step functions” have this name?

2. Can every absolute value function be rewritten as a
compound function?
3. Can either equation in a compound function be used to
evaluate the compound function at a given x-value?
Explain.

4. Determine whether each graph represents a step function,

an absolute value function, or a compound function.

Assignment: Pages 309 - 311, 6 – 30 even, 40 – 50 even