To arrive at the answer, I graphed the piecewise function using a graphing calculator, then evaluated it at x=38 and x=52. I drew a line at y=445 and found the point of intersection on the graph.
a) The difference between earnings for 52 hours ($580) and earnings for 38 hours ($380) is $200.
b) An employee must work 43 hours to earn $445.
a) The difference between earnings for 52 hours ($580) and earnings for 38 hours ($380) is $200.
b) An employee must work 43 hours to earn $445.
