Graph It in Pieces: Piecewise Defined Functions
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Graphs of real-world data cannot always be described with one simple equation. Often the graph is made up of separate pieces which together describe an event. If you move back and forth in front of a Motion Detector, your motion could be described in separate pieces which together would describe the total motion. Functions which are defined in pieces are called piecewise-defined functions.
In this activity, you will create a graph by moving back and forth in front of a Motion Detector. You will then describe your motion by writing a piecewise-defined function for the motion.
Objectives
- Record motion data for a walker.
- Describe segments of the walker's motion using linear functions.
- Model the motion data using a piece-wise continuous function assembled from linear functions.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Real-World Math Made Easy »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.