Can someone give me an example of Step-Function?

Question

I'm doing an Algebra II project and i need to make my own step function. The problem is i can't think of one. The teacher said I can't use 'age' or 'grade'. Please help me. I already made a D on my first test and got a C on my progress report.

Answer 1

The classic example is the greatest integer function where INT(x) is the greatest integer less than or equal to a given number.
INT(1.01) = 1
INT (1.99) = 1
INT (2) = 2

A "real world" example would be the postage an handling charges required to purchase pretty much anything online. It might be something like
$0 - $19.99 ... $3.95 p/h
$20 - $39.99 ... $4.95 p/h
$40 - $59.99 ... $5.95 p/h
$60 - $79.99 ... $6.95 p/h
etc. (adding a dollar for each $20 in value)

Still another example is how much postage you need to mail a letter
up to 1 ounce = $.39
up to 2 ounces = $.63
up to 3 ounces = $.87
up to 4 ounces = $1.11
etc. (adding 24 cents for each additional ounce)

Answer 2

I'd suggest a phone call where you pay per minute. If you talk for 10 mins 20 secs you are charged for 11 mins. If you talk for 20 mins 5 secs you are charged for 21 mins, etc. It always rounds up to the next whole number.