Evaluate this function at x=−5. Express your answer as an integer or simplified fraction. If the function is undefined at the given value, indicate "Undefined".

Question

Consider the following piecewise-defined function.

Evaluate this function at X=-5 . Express your answer as an integer or simplified fraction. If the function is undefined at the given value, indicate "Undefined".

f(x)={5x−1−3x−1ifx<−3ifx≥−3

Answer 1

Hi Rasheeda O.,

Looks like your question didn't all get on there?

Should there be two regions of domain, x<-3 and x>=-3? If so, what is the range function for that second portion of the domain? Should the two functions be f(x<-3) = 5x-1 and f(x>=-3) = -3x-1 ?

And, is "X" understood to be the same as "x"?

Iff (look this term up, iff you don't know it!) the function quoted (whichever it is!) applies for x<-3, and you have x=-5, ask yourself, what do you think you ought to do?

If you answered, I ought to plug in the value given for x and calculate what that function formula says to do, then you answered correctly.

A word to the wise: what you type into Wyzant "Ask an Expert" isn't always what appears in your displayed question. Always re-open Wyzant and check your displayed question, and correct it via a Comment if you need to.

-- Cheers, -- Mr. d.