In the graph of the following piecewise function, which coordinate point will have an open circle?

f (x) = 2x + 2 if x > 4, 1/2x + 1 if x < or = 2.

Hint: (4, ?)

1 answer

To determine which coordinate point will have an open circle in the given piecewise function:

  1. Let's analyze the defined pieces of the function:

    • For \( f(x) = 2x + 2 \) when \( x > 4 \).
    • For \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + 1 \) when \( x \leq 2 \).
  2. The point to investigate based on your hint is \( (4, ?) \). Since the first piece of the function only applies for \( x > 4 \), we need to check the value of \( f(x) \) at \( x = 4 \) to determine whether there is an open circle.

  3. Let's evaluate:

    • The function \( f(x) = 2x + 2 \) is valid for \( x > 4 \). As \( x \) approaches 4 from the right, the value is: \[ f(4) = 2(4) + 2 = 8 + 2 = 10. \] However, this is the limit from the right side and is not the actual value of the function at \( x = 4 \).
  4. The piece \( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + 1 \) does not cover \( x = 4 \) as it only applies for \( x \leq 2 \). Thus, at \( x = 4\), the function is not defined, meaning the function does not take a value at this specific point from either piece of the function.

  5. Therefore, since the function approaches the value 10 as the input approaches 4 from the right, but does not include it, we can conclude that there will be an open circle at the point:

    \[ (4, 10). \]

In conclusion, the coordinate point \( (4, 10) \) will have an open circle on the graph of the piecewise function.