Graphing A Piecewise Defined Function - Texas Instruments TI-89 Manual Book

Graphing a Piecewise Defined Function

Using the When
Function
Tip: Graph math results
may vary.
Tip: To enter when , type it
or use the CATALOG.
206 Chapter 12: Additional Graphing Topics
To graph a piecewise function, you must first define the
function by specifying boundaries and expressions for each
piece. The when function is extremely useful for two-piece
functions. For three or more pieces, it may be easier to create
a multi-statement, user-defined function.
To define a two-piece function, use the syntax:
when(condition, trueExpression, falseExpression)
For example, suppose you want to graph a function with two pieces.
When: Use expression:
ëx
x < 0
x ‚ 0 5 cos(x)
In the Y= Editor:
The function is pretty
printed in this form.
Enter the function
in this form.
For three or more pieces, you can use nested
When: Use expression:
x < ìp 4 sin(x)
x ‚ ìp and x < 0 2x + 6
x ‚ 0 6 ìxñ
In the Y= Editor:
where:
y1(x)=when(x<0,when(x<ëp,4ùsin(x),2x+6),6ìx^2)
Nested functions quickly become complex and difficult to visualize.
when
This nested function is in effect when x<0.
functions.