Writing Equations for

Piecewise Functions and

Word Problems
2.7
Day 2
 Writing a piecewise function
given the graph.
The break in the graph Notice where the circle & dot are!!
Is at x=0.

To the left of x=0 the

graph is part of the y = x +0
y=x
line thru (-2,0) & (0,2)
An equation of this line is:
y=x+2 y=x+2

To the right of x=0, the

Graph is part of the
Line thru (0,0) & (2,2)
 The piecewise function is:

x + 2, if x < 0 (open dot)

f ( x) = 
x, if x ≥ 0 (closed dot)
 Steps to Writing Piecewise
Functions
To find the equation of the line
1. Find two points on the line
2. Find slope
3. Use point and slope in point slope form and
solve for y
Do this for each line on the graph
Find their boundary line, this is the number used in the
inequality
Open circle: <, >
Closed Circle: <, >

4. Write the Piecewise function

Write the equation of
 Solution

 x + 2, if x ≤ −1

f ( x) =  1 1
−
 2 x − if x > −1
 2,
YOU TRY
YOU TRY AGAIN
• You have a summer job that pays time
and a half for overtime. (If you work more
than 40 hours) After that it is 1.5 times
your hourly rate of $7.00/hr.

1. Write and graph a piecewise function

that gives your weekly pay P in terms of
the number hours you work h.
2. How much will you make if you work 45
hours?
• From 0 to 40 hours you get $7.00/hr:
7h
• over 40 you get:
• 7(40) + (1.5)(7)(h-40) =
• 7(40) + 10.5(h-40)=
• 280 + 10.5h – 420 =
• 10.5h - 140
• The function is:
7h, if 0 ≤ h ≤ 40
P ( h) = 
10.5h − 140, if h > 40
So the graph is:
2. P(h) = 10.5h - 140

P(45) = 10.5(45) - 140

= $332.50 for 45 hours of work

 Example
1. Write and graph a
piecewise function
for the parking
charges shown on
the sign.

2. What are the

domain and range
of the function?
 Solution

Domain: 0 < t < 12

Range: 3, 6, 8