Need help in finding the points to graph

Question

graph: m(x)= √x+5, for x < -1
x^2, for -1≤ x ≤ 2
1/2 x+4, for x > 2

find: m (-4)= and find m(7)=

Answer 1

This is a piecewise function, so we need to find out which condition applies to your question.

x=-4 means x<-1, so √(x+5) applies: √(-4+5)=√1=1, and m(-4)=1.

x=7 means x>2, so ½x+4 applies: 7/2+4=15/2, and m(7)=15/2 or 7½.