A piecewise function is an equation with multiple parts that each apply to a different part of the domain. To graph a piecewise function, write each part as y=mx+b and graph over the corresponding domain, using closed circles at endpoints that are included and open circles for excluded endpoints. A step function is a piecewise function where the parts form distinct steps when graphed.

1. By: Kate Albertini, Katie Fairman, and Anne Kaufmann

4. An Example The solid part of each line represents the part of the line defined by the piecewise function. The dotted part of the line shows the rest of the line which is not included in the piecewise function.

6. An Example