What type of functions are dealt with during the integration of piecewise continuous functions?

When integrating piecewise continuous functions, the key characteristic is that these functions can be defined using different formulas over various intervals. This means that for each piece or segment of the function, a distinct formula or rule applies, which allows for the behavior of the function to be tailored to specific intervals of the domain.

This approach is essential for capturing the characteristics of functions that may not be globally continuous, but that can still be integrated over defined sections. By breaking the function into intervals where each piece can be treated separately, we ensure that the integration process accurately reflects the behavior of the function throughout its entire range.

The use of different formulas for different intervals permits the handling of functions that might exhibit varied behavior, such as linear functions in one interval and quadratic functions in another. This flexibility is crucial for integrating more complex functions that cannot be easily expressed with a single continuous formula across their entire domain.

In contrast, options that suggest only continuous functions or those defined by a single formula do not encompass the necessary variety needed for piecewise definitions. Likewise, focusing solely on periodic functions limits the scope of the types of piecewise functions that can be integrated effectively. Hence, the consideration of functions defined by different formulas in distinct intervals captures the essence of dealing with piecewise continuous functions