The graph of the piecewise linear function \(f\) is shown.
Use the interval convention \([-3,-1)\), \([-1,2)\), and \([2,4]\).
a) Read the graph and write a piecewise rule for \(f(x)\).
b) Define \(h(x)=f(x+2)\). Write \(h\) as a piecewise-defined function with the correct transformed interval conditions. State the new domain and explain how the breakpoints moved.

Hints
- Recover each line equation from two vertices on the same segment.
- Keep the given interval convention aligned with the segment formulas.
- For \(f(x+2)\), transform both the formulas and the interval boundaries.
Solution
1. The first segment goes through \((-3,-1)\) and \((-1,2)\), so its slope is \(\frac{3}{2}\) and its rule is \(\frac{3}{2}x+\frac{7}{2}\).
2. The second segment goes through \((-1,2)\) and \((2,0)\), so its slope is \(-\frac{2}{3}\) and its rule is \(-\frac{2}{3}x+\frac{4}{3}\).
3. The third segment goes through \((2,0)\) and \((4,1)\), so its slope is \(\frac{1}{2}\) and its rule is \(\frac{1}{2}x-1\).
4. Therefore, \(f\) uses those three rules on \([-3,-1)\), \([-1,2)\), and \([2,4]\), respectively.
5. For \(h(x)=f(x+2)\), each breakpoint shifts left \(2\) units, so the intervals become \([-5,-3)\), \([-3,0)\), and \([0,2]\).
6. Substituting \(x+2\) into the three branch formulas gives \(\frac{3}{2}x+\frac{13}{2}\), \(-\frac{2}{3}x\), and \(\frac{1}{2}x\). The new domain is \([-5,2]\).
Answer
a) \(f(x)=\begin{cases}\frac{3}{2}x+\frac{7}{2}&-3\le x<-1\\-\frac{2}{3}x+\frac{4}{3}&-1\le x<2\\\frac{1}{2}x-1&2\le x\le4\end{cases}\)
b) \(h(x)=\begin{cases}\frac{3}{2}x+\frac{13}{2}&-5\le x<-3\\-\frac{2}{3}x&-3\le x<0\\\frac{1}{2}x&0\le x\le2\end{cases}\), domain \([-5,2]\). Every breakpoint moves left \(2\) units.