In the United States, personal income taxes are paid according to a specific scale. For example, individuals who earn a yearly salary between $31,000 and $31,150 must pay $4229 in taxes. Individuals who earn a yearly salary between $41,000 and $41,150 must pay $6381 in taxes. (Source: irs.gov) Which type of function would best model this situation: a step function or a piecewise function? Explain

Question

In the United States, personal income taxes are paid according to a specific scale.  For example, individuals who earn a yearly salary between $31,000 and $31,150 must pay $4229 in taxes.  Individuals who earn a yearly salary between $41,000 and $41,150 must pay $6381 in taxes.  (Source:  irs.gov)  Which type of function would best model this situation:  a step function or a piecewise function?  Explain

anonymous · Answer

These values look like steps, as they change abruptly but are constant within a limited interval for each. Arguably, a step function is a type of piece-wise function, but I think "step" is what the question seeks.

lena772 · Answer

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