Lesson Plan: Piecewise-Defined Functions
Duration: 40 minutes | Grade Level: High School Algebra
Objectives:
- Define and recognize piecewise-defined functions and step functions.
- Graph piecewise-defined functions using different rules for different intervals.
- Interpret real-world contexts modeled by piecewise functions.
- Identify domain, range, intervals of increase/decrease.
- Write equations for piecewise-defined rules from graphs.
Lesson Breakdown (40 minutes)
Introduction & Motivation (5 min)
Present a real-life scenario: A teacher buying guitar strings. Store A sells at $6/string, Store B at
$20/pack of 4. Ask: For which number of strings is Store B cheaper? How do we model this? Introduce
the essential question.
Concept Development (15 min)
Explain definition of piecewise and step functions. Work through examples: 1) Lifeguard wages: $8/hr
up to 40h, then $12/hr. 2) Graphing f(x) with multiple pieces. 3) Writing rules from graphs. 4) Absolute
value as piecewise. 5) Step function with shipping costs.
Guided Practice (10 min)
Students solve Try It! problems: Calculate Alani's pay, graph given functions, rewrite absolute value,
and graph step function for parking fees.
Independent Practice (5 min)
Give 2 MCQs and 2 short problems: Graph interpretation, increasing/decreasing intervals, writing
piecewise rule from graph.
Closure & Assessment (5 min)
Exit question: Why is it important to mark endpoints with open or closed circles? Summarize: piecewise
= different rules for domains, step functions = staircase-like.
Practice Problems
1. Calculate Alani’s pay if she works: a) 37 hours, b) 43 hours.
2. Graph f(x) = { -x+1 for -10 <= x < -3 ; x^2-9 for -3 <= x <= 3 ; 2x+1 for 3 < x < 5 }.
3. Rewrite f(x) = ||x-4|| as a piecewise-defined function.
4. Graph the step function for parking lot fees (0 $10, 3 $15, 6 $20, 9 $25).
