Precalculus : Special Functions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Precalculus

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Piecewise Functions

Let

What does  equal when ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because 3>0 we plug the x value into the bottom equation.

Example Question #2 : Piecewise Functions

Let

What does  equal when ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because  we use the first equation.

Therefore, plugging in x=0 into the above equation we get the following,

.

Example Question #1 : Piecewise Functions

Determine the value of  if the function is

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to determine the value of  of the function we set  

The value comes from the function in the first row of the piecewise function, and as such

Example Question #1 : Piecewise Functions

Determine the value of  if the function is



Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to determine the value of  of the function we set  

The value comes from the function in the first row of the piecewise function, and as such

Example Question #1 : Special Functions

For the function  defined below, what is the value of  when ?

Possible Answers:

3

7

0

-2

8

Correct answer:

8

Explanation:

Evaluate the function for . Based on the domains of the three given expressions, you would use , since  is greater than or equal to .

Example Question #1 : Greatest Integer Functions

If  is the greatest integer function, what is the value of 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The greatest integer function takes an input and produces the greatest integer less than the input. Thus, the output is always smaller than the input and is an integer itself. Since our input was , we are looking for an integer less than this, which must be  since any smaller integer would by definition not be "greatest". 

Example Question #1 : Absolute Value Functions

Which of the following is a point on the following function?

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

One way to approach this problem would be to plug in each answer and see what works. However, I would be a little more strategic and eliminate any options that don't make sense.

Our y value will never be negative, so eliminate any options with a negative y-value.

Try (0,0) really quick, since it's really easy

The only point that makes sense is (5,83), therefore it is the correct answer

Example Question #2 : Special Functions

Evaluate:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Cancel the absolute value sign by separating the function  into its positive and negative counterparts.

Evaluate the first scenario.

Evaluate the second scenario.

The correct answer is:

Example Question #2 : Special Functions

If   , then what is the value of  when  ?

Possible Answers:

-7

-13

7

13

20

Correct answer:

13

Explanation:

We evaluate for 

Since the absolute value of any number represents its magnitude from  and is therefore always positive, the final answer would be 

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