4 5 6
Designing a
0 2
Custom Skate
1 Park 3
Piecewise Functions
Rachel Chen and Wendy Dong
7 8 9
What are piecewise
functions?
A function where more than one
formula is used to define the output
over different pieces of the domain.
Evaluating a piecewise function
means you need to pay close Example:
attention to the correct expression
used for the given input.
Domain Restrictions?
Limitations on the input values (x-
values) that can be used in each
individual piece of the function.
Example:
0 How can we use piecewise 5
functions to design a skate
1 ramp?
Linear Function- a straight line (diagonal)
6
2 Quadratic or cubic function- a curve ( like a smile up
or down)
7
3
Constant function- straight line (horizontal) 8
9
Linear- incline
A linear function is always straight
Formula= y=mx+b
In this case for designing the ramp our equation for the straight
incline is:
f(x)= 0.3x+2
Domain= x is greater than or equal to 0
x is less than 2
Quadratic- curved transition zone
Formula= ax^2+bx+c
Our quadratic equation for the ramp is:
f(x)= 0.05x^2+0.01x+2.2
Domain= x is greater than or equal to 2
x is less than 4
Slope again in our case (decline)
Formula= y=mx+b
Our linear equation:
f(x)= -0.5x+5.4
Domain= x is greater or equal to 4
x is less than 6
Constant- straight horizontal
Formula= d
Our linear equation:
f(x)= 2.4
Domain= x is greater or equal to 6
x is less than or equal to 8
Continuity Check
0.3(2)+2= 2.6
0.05(4)^2+0.1(4)+2.2=3.4
-0.5(6)+5.4= 2.4
2.4=2.4
6=2.4
8=2.4
Graph on desmos
Reflection
Our skate park was designed by using mathematical functions: linear, quadratic, and constant. The
first function was linear going upwards, we had to make sure the slope was less than 0.5, so it wasn’t
too steep for safety reasons. We had to make sure the second function quadratic connects to the
endpoint of the linear line when x=[Link] slight curve shows that it’s a ramp developing. Then we
added another linear slope starting from when x=4 to x=6, to make sure the quadratic line had a
smooth landing. Lastly, starting from x=6 to x=8 the constant line is flat to ensure safety of coming to
an end when skating.
A challenge to ensure continuity and smoothness between the functions was finding the right points
that started from the endpoint of the other function. It took multiple attempts to get the right points
and the notations to know when the line starts and ends. The mathematical concepts relate to real-
world designs because they require precise calculations to ensure structural integrity for safety.
Thank you!