If f(x)= 1 for [-7,-3), 3 for [-3,1), and 5 for [1,5), how do you find f(1)?

1 Answer
Oct 1, 2016

f(1)=5

Explanation:

If a function is given in such form with different formulas (here values) for different intervals of x first step is to assign the argument to one of the intervals:

We have to calculate f(1) so first we look where is 1:

1 is a positive number, so it is NOT in [-7;-3)

The second interval's end point is 1, but the interval is open there (indicated by the round bracket), so 1 does NOT belong to this interval.

The third interval has a start point in 1, and it is closed there (indicated by square bracket), so 1 in [1;5), so we use the third value as f(1).

Answer: f(1)=5