The range of the function f(x) = |x − 1| + |x − 2|, for −1 ≤ x ≤ 3, is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
f(x) = |x −1| + |x − 2| , −1 ≤ x ≤ 3
If x < 1, f(x) = (1 − x) + (2 − x) = 3 − 2x
In this interval, f(x) is decreasing.
If 1 ≤ x < 2, f(x) = x − 1 + 2 − x = 1
In this interval, f(x) is constant.
If 2 ≤ x ≤ 3, f(x) = x − 1 + x − 2 = 2x − 3
In this interval, f(x) is increasing
∴ Max. f(x) = the greatest among f(−1) and f(3) = 5
Min. f(x) = f(1) = 1
Hence range = [1, 5].