8. Split Functions (Piecewise-defined functions)

By D Hu and M Bourne

Most functions you are familiar with are defined in the same manner for all values of x. However, there are some functions which are defined differently in different domains. These are known as split functions (or piecewise-defined functions).

Because split functions may have drastically different behaviours in different domains (that is, for different x-values), it is quite common for a split function to be non-continuous (and as we learn later, it cannot be differentiated).

Example 1 - Ordinary Function for Comparison

f(x) = -x² + 4

This function is not a split function. It is defined the same way for all values of x. To find the value of the function at a given x-value, simply substitute into f(x) = -x² + 4

Some values for f(x) = -x² + 4 are as follows:

x	-3	-2	-1	0	1	2	3
f(x)	-5	0	3	4	3	0	-5

Example 1 - Split Function

math formula

In the region x < 1, we have a straight line with slope 2 and y-intercept 3. As x approaches 1, the value of the function approaches 5 (but does not reach it because of the "<" sign).

Now for the region x ≥ 1.

When x = 1, the function has value

f(-1) = -(1)² + 2 = -1 +2 = 1.

As we go further to the right, the function takes values based on f(x) = -x² + 2. It is a parabola.

split function

This function has a discontinuity at x = 1, but it is actually defined for x = 1 (and has value 1).

Here's how it looks in LiveMath:

LIVEMath

Later we will learn about Differentiation. This function is differentiable for all values of x except x = 1.

Example 2

Answer

Example 3

math expression

This function is defined in three ways.

For x less than -2, the function is defined as sin x.
Between -2 and 2, the function is defined as 2 - x/2 (straight line).
Finally, for x greater than 2, the function is x² - 8x + 10 (parabola).

So, to determine the value of the function at a particular x-value, it is first necessary to decide which "piece" this value falls within. Only then can we know which expression to substitute into.

Notice that the function is defined for all x, but has discontinuities at -2 and 2.

Here are some function values for this split function:

x	-4	-3	-2	-1	0	1	2	3	4
f(x)	0.757	-0.141	3	2.5	2	1.5	-2	-5	-6

Example 4 - Split Function (Continuous)

math expression

This function is split into two pieces.

For negative values of x, the function is identical to x (straight line).

For non-negative values of x, the function is identical to 1/5 sin 5x. Again, the function is defined for all values of x. However, in this case, the function is continuous (and differentiable) everywhere.

x	-2	-1	0	1	2
f(x)	-2	-1	0	-0.192	-0.109

Some split functions are so commonly used that they are given special notation.

Example 5 - Absolute Value Function

f(x) = | x |

This is the absolute value function. It is really a split function defined in two pieces:

The function is continuous everywhere, but only differentiable at non-zero values of x.

x	-2	-1	0	1	2
f(x)	2	1	0	1	2

Example 6 - Step Function

You will also encounter split functions in signal analysis (see Fourier Series and Laplace Transforms). For example, a function in electronics can be defined as

math expression

7. Continuous and Discontinuous Functions

9. Even and Odd Functions

Didn't find what you are looking for on this page? Try search:

The IntMath Newsletter

Sign up for the free IntMath Newsletter. Get math study tips, information, news and updates each fortnight. Join thousands of satisfied students, teachers and parents!