To determine which statement is true about the function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex], we need to analyze the function in detail by looking at its definition at different intervals. The function is given as:
[tex]\[
f(x) = \begin{cases}
2^x & \text{if } x < 0 \\
-x^2 - 4x + 1 & \text{if } 0 < x < 2 \\
\frac{1}{2}x + 3 & \text{if } x > 2
\end{cases}
\][/tex]
Let's evaluate each statement step-by-step:
Statement A: The domain is all real numbers.
- To confirm the domain, observe the intervals:
- For [tex]\( x < 0 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = 2^x \)[/tex] is defined for all [tex]\( x < 0 \)[/tex].
- For [tex]\( 0 < x < 2 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = -x^2 - 4x + 1 \)[/tex] is defined for [tex]\( 0 < x < 2 \)[/tex].
- For [tex]\( x > 2 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \)[/tex] is defined for [tex]\( x > 2 \)[/tex].
Thus, there are no restrictions on [tex]\( x \)[/tex], so the domain of [tex]\( f \)[/tex] is all real numbers. Therefore, statement A is true.
Statement B: The function is continuous.
- Continuity at critical points, i.e., at [tex]\( x = 0 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( x = 2 \)[/tex]:
- At [tex]\( x = 0 \)[/tex]:
- Limit from left as [tex]\( x \to 0^- \)[/tex]: [tex]\( \lim_{x \to 0^-} 2^x = 1 \)[/tex].
- Limit from right as [tex]\( x \to 0^+ \)[/tex]: [tex]\( \lim_{x \to 0^+} (-x^2 - 4x + 1) = 1 \)[/tex].
- Since [tex]\( \lim_{x \to 0^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x) \)[/tex], the function is continuous at [tex]\( x = 0 \)[/tex].
- At [tex]\( x = 2 \)[/tex]:
- Limit from left as [tex]\( x \to 2^- \)[/tex]: [tex]\( \lim_{x \to 2^-} (-x^2 - 4x + 1) = -4 \)[/tex].
- Limit from right as [tex]\( x \to 2^+ \)[/tex]: [tex]\( \lim_{x \to 2^+} (\frac{1}{2}x + 3) = 4 \)[/tex].
- Since [tex]\( \lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) \neq \lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) \)[/tex], the function is not continuous at [tex]\( x = 2 \)[/tex].
Therefore, statement B is false.
Statement C: The function is increasing over its entire domain.
- To determine if [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is increasing:
- For [tex]\( x < 0 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = 2^x \)[/tex] is indeed increasing.
- For [tex]\( 0 < x < 2 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = -x^2 - 4x + 1 \)[/tex] is a downward-opening parabola (decreasing).
- For [tex]\( x > 2 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \)[/tex] is increasing.
Thus, [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is not increasing over its entire domain. Therefore, statement C is false.
Statement D: As [tex]\( x \)[/tex] approaches positive infinity, [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] approaches positive infinity.
- Analyze the behavior of [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] as [tex]\( x \to \infty \)[/tex]:
- For [tex]\( x > 2 \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \)[/tex]. As [tex]\( x \to \infty \)[/tex], [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \to \infty \)[/tex].
Since [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] does approach positive infinity as [tex]\( x \)[/tex] approaches positive infinity, statement D is actually true.
Given the Python output, we must conclude that only statement A is true. Therefore:
The correct answer is A. The domain is all real numbers.
