Let $a$ and $b$ be real numbers. A function $f$ that is continuous on the set of real numbers is defined as
$$f ( x ) = \begin{cases} x ^ { 2 } - 4 & , x \leq a \\ 5 x - 8 & , a < x \leq b \\ 7 & , x > b \end{cases}$$
Accordingly, what is the sum $a + b$?
A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
E) 8
Let $a$ and $b$ be real numbers. A function $f$ that is continuous on the set of real numbers is defined as

$$f ( x ) = \begin{cases} x ^ { 2 } - 4 & , x \leq a \\ 5 x - 8 & , a < x \leq b \\ 7 & , x > b \end{cases}$$

Accordingly, what is the sum $a + b$?\\
A) 4\\
B) 5\\
C) 6\\
D) 7\\
E) 8