Chapter 3.7, Problem 35PPS

To determine

To determine the step function.

Answer to Problem 35PPS

  $f(x)=\left[\frac{x}{3.79}\right]$ , 2.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The cost of the medium smoothie is $\$3.79$ .

Calculation:

Let, the total amount is x dollar.

The cost of each smoothie is $\$3.79$ .

So, the number of smoothies = The total amount ÷ The cost of each smoothie

So, the number will be: $\frac{x}{3.79}.$

But the number of smoothies cannot be a decimal number.

Therefore, the required function to represent the number of smoothies is $f(x)=\left[\frac{x}{3.79}\right]$ .

Now, if the total amount is $\$10$ .

Then the number of smoothies $\left[\frac{10}{3.79}\right]=[2.63]=2[\because x=10]$

Conclusion:

The required function to represent the number of smoothies is $f(x)=\left[\frac{x}{3.79}\right]$ .

Hence, $2$ smoothies can be bought with $\$10$ .