# Thread: Integration of a piece wise function?

1. ## Integration of a piece wise function?

Determine the value of:

a) g(-4)
b) g(-2)
c) g(1)
d) g(4)

The absolute maximum of g(x) occurs when x=....?

The absolute maximum of g(x) is...?

2. Drawing $f(x)$ out would help. You will see that your graph basically consists of line segments.

Recall that an integral represents the net area under the curve (from the curve to the x-axis). So all you're doing is calculating the areas of the rectangles (taking into account of the signs).

For example, to find $g(1) = \int_{-3}^{1} f(t) \ dt$, we want to find the area under the curve from $x = -3$ to $x = 1$

Since it's a piecewise function, we're going to have to break the integral up into two: $g(1) = \int_{-3}^{1} f(t) \ dt = \int_{-3}^{0} f(t) \ dt + \int_0^1 f(t) \ dt$

If you look at your graph, the two integrals corresponds to the area under each rectangle that is created. I assume you know how to find the area of a rectangle so hopefully you'll be good from here.