Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

General Mathematics
SY 2024 – 2025

Unit I: Functions
Lesson #2: Piecewise Function and Evaluating Functions

Introduction

In our last lesson, we explored what a function is, how to represent it, and how to use functions to
model real-life situations. Now, we’re moving forward to dive into piecewise functions and the
essential skill of evaluating functions.
This module will help you see how functions can change across different intervals and give you plenty
of practice with these new concepts. Let’s build on what we’ve learned and continue our journey
together.
Happy learning!

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define piecewise functions

• Create piecewise function representing word problems
• Evaluate functions

Lesson 2: Piecewise functions and Evaluating Functions

A. Definition of Terms
A. Piecewise functions

Piecewise function or a compound function is a function defined by multiple sub-

functions, where each sub-function applies to a certain interval of the main function
domain. It is a function defined by at least two equations ("pieces"), each of which
applies to a different part of the domain.
For example, the piecewise function given by,

is defined by two equations. One equation gives the values of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 is less
than or equal to 1, and the other equation gives the values of 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 is greater
than 1.
Now that you know what a piecewise function is, and you already have a background on how to
express real-life problems into functions, let us combine those two competencies by creating a
mathematical model or piecewise function for the problem below:

A parking fee at SM Lucena costs ₱25.00 for the first two hours and an extra ₱5.00 for each hour
of extension. If you park for more than twelve hours, you instead pay a flat rate of ₱100.00.
Represent your parking fee using the function p(t) where t is the number of hours you parked in
the mall
Page 1 of 5
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2024 – 2025

Step 1: Understand the Problem

• Initial cost: ₱25.00 for the first two hours.
• Additional cost: ₱5.00 for each additional hour beyond the first two hours.
• Flat rate: ₱100.00 if the parking duration exceeds 12 hours.

Step 2: Define the Intervals

The problem has three distinct cases, leading to three intervals:
1. 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 hours: The parking fee is a flat rate of ₱25.00.
2. 2 < t ≤ 12 hours: The parking fee includes ₱25.00 for the first two hours, plus ₱5.00 for each
additional hour.
3. t > 12 hours: The parking fee is a flat rate of ₱100.00.

Step 3: Write the Function for Each Interval

1. For 0 ≤ t ≤ 2:
The parking fee is a constant ₱25.00.
𝑝(𝑡) = 25

2. For 2 < t ≤ 12:

The parking fee starts at ₱25.00, plus ₱5.00 for each hour beyond 2 hours.
For hours beyond 2, the additional charge is 5(𝑡 − 2)
Therefore, the function is:
𝑝(𝑡) = 25 + 5(𝑡 − 2)

3. For t > 12:

The parking fee is a constant flat rate of ₱100.00.
𝑝(𝑡) = 100

Step 4: Combine the Functions into a Piecewise Function

Now, combine all the cases into a single piecewise function:
25 𝑖𝑓 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2
𝑝(𝑡) = {25 + 5(𝑡 − 2) 𝑖𝑓 2 < 𝑡 ≤ 12
100 𝑖𝑓 𝑡 > 12

Now that you know the steps on how to represent real-life situations using piecewise functions, try
this one on your own!

An internet company charges ₱500.00 for the first 30 GB used in a month. Every exceeding GB
will then cost ₱30.00 But if the costumer reach a total of 50 GB and above, a flat rate of ₱1,000.00
will be charged instead. Write a piecewise function C(g) that represents the charge according to GB
used?

Page 2 of 5
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2024 – 2025

Going back to the problem regarding SM Lucena’s parking rate, how much would you have to
pay if you parked for 11 hours? How about 5 hours? You can answer this one by substituting the
number of hours you parked in the corresponding sub-function of the interval your value falls in
and that is exactly the process of evaluating functions.

B. Evaluating Functions
➢ Steps on evaluating functions:
1. Substitute the value of x in the function
2. Apply the operations algebraically.
3. Simplify the answer.

Look at these examples!

Page 3 of 5
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2024 – 2025

Piecewise functions could be evaluated. Evaluating piecewise functions could help us in constructing
its graph. The following examples will show us the process of evaluating piecewise functions.

Example:

Evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) when(𝑎) 𝑥 = 0, (𝑏) 𝑥 = 2, and (𝑐) 𝑥 = 4.

𝑥 + 2, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 2
𝑓(𝑥) = {
2𝑥 + 1, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 2

Solution 1: (𝑎) 𝑥 = 0

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 , because 0 < 2, use the first equation, then substitute the value of 𝑥.

𝑓(𝑥) = 0 + 2

𝑓(𝑥) = 2

Solution 2: (𝑏) 𝑥 = 2

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 , because 2 ≥ 2, use the second equation, then substitute the value of 𝑥.

𝑓(𝑥) = 2(2) + 1

𝑓(𝑥) = 5

Solution 3: (𝑐) 𝑥 = 4

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 , because 4 ≥ 2, use the second equation, then substitute the value of 𝑥.

𝑓(𝑥) = 2(4) + 1

𝑓(𝑥) = 9

Page 4 of 5
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Page 5 of 5