Children's cough syrup has dosage guidelines based on a child's age. In the following piecewise function, x represents the child's age in years and f(x) represents the dosage in fluid ounces. (0.5 if 1 ≤ x ≤3 f(x) = 1.0 if 3 < x ≤ 6 0.5x if x > 6 Does the graph accurately represent the piecewise function? Why or why not? (1 point) Yes. The graph is correct because all three pieces of the function are present Yes, because all of the points at the ends of the pieces of the function should have closed circles No. The graph should be continuous, with all the pieces connected No. There should be an open circle on the first point of two parts of the function

1 answer

To determine whether the graph accurately represents the piecewise function you've described, we need to consider the nature of each segment of the function and how the points are connected.

  1. For \( f(x) = 0.5 \) if \( 1 \leq x \leq 3 \): This is a constant function for \( x \) values from 1 to 3, inclusive. The function should have closed circles at both \( x = 1 \) and \( x = 3 \) because it includes these endpoints.

  2. For \( f(x) = 1.0 \) if \( 3 < x \leq 6 \): This segment spans from just above \( x = 3 \) (not including 3, hence an open circle at \( x = 3 \)) to \( x = 6\) (included). Thus, it should have an open circle at \( x = 3 \) and a closed circle at \( x = 6 \).

  3. For \( f(x) = 0.5x \) if \( x > 6 \): This is a linear function starting from just above \( x = 6 \), and it will have an open circle at \( x = 6 \) (as \( x = 6 \) is not included) and extends infinitely.

Given these observations:

  • The first segment includes 1 and 3, indicating closed circles at those points.
  • The second segment has an open circle at 3 and a closed circle at 6.
  • The third segment starts with an open circle at 6.

Now, let's examine the options:

  1. Yes. The graph is correct because all three pieces of the function are present. - This is not a complete justification since we need to consider the continuity and endpoints.

  2. Yes, because all of the points at the ends of the pieces of the function should have closed circles - This statement is partially true (for 1 and 6), but not for 3 (which should have an open circle).

  3. No. The graph should be continuous, with all the pieces connected. - This is false because piecewise functions can have discontinuities.

  4. No. There should be an open circle on the first point of two parts of the function. - This is the most accurate option, specifically referring to the requirement of an open circle at \( x = 3 \).

Therefore, the best answer is: No. There should be an open circle on the first point of two parts of the function.