segmented function
nounUK /ˈsɛɡməntɪd ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /ˈsɛɡmɛntɪd ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A segmented function is a math rule that changes its answer depending on which part of the number line you are on.
A segmented function might charge $2 for the first mile and $1 for every mile after that.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A function defined by different formulas on different intervals of its domain.
The tax rate is a segmented function of income, with different rates for different brackets.
3. A mathematical rule whose behavior switches at specific boundary points.
Shipping costs form a segmented function: free under 1 kg, $5 up to 5 kg, and $10 above that.
4. A function assembled from separate sub-functions, each valid on its own piece of the input range.
The graph of the segmented function jumps at x = 0 because the two pieces do not meet.