Part 1/5:

Understanding Piecewise Functions

Piecewise functions are an essential concept in mathematics, particularly in calculus and algebra. They allow us to define a function using different expressions over specific intervals. This article will break down what piecewise functions are, using clear examples and explanations to make them easy to understand.

What is a Piecewise Function?

At its core, a piecewise function is a function that is defined by multiple sub-functions, each applicable to a specific interval of the independent variable. For example, consider a function that behaves differently based on whether the input is less than or greater than a specific value.

Example of a Piecewise Function

Imagine we have a representation of a piecewise function described as follows: