Modulus functions
The magnitude of x / absolute value
x Ignoring the sign
Read as ‘mod x’
On calculator: Abs
5 5
The modulus function is defined as:
x x0
x
x x0
Sketch
y x
sketch y 3x 1
sketch y x 4 for 3 x 3
2
1. Draw the graph of y x 4 2
2. Now reflect in the x-axis all the parts of the
graph which lie below the x-axis.
sketch y sin x for 0 x 2
1. Draw the graph of y sin x
2. Now reflect in the x-axis all the parts of the
graph which lie below the x-axis.
sketch y 3 | x |
sketch y | x 1 | | x 2 |
f ( x) ( x 1) 4
2
1) Sketch y = f(x)
f ( x) ( x 1) 4
2
2) Sketch y =|f(x)|
f ( x) ( x 1) 4
2
3) Sketch y =f(|x|)
Homework:
Exercise 2D page 35
Numbers: 2, 4, 6
Equations and inequalities
with modulus signs
Solve:
• Graphically
• Algebraically
Equations involving modulus functions
Graphical approach is often best – as we can see the
approximate solutions and how many to expect.
Solve the equation: | 3 2 x | x 1
Sketch y=|3 – 2x|
Add y = x – 1
| 3 2 x | x 1
Square both sides
Can be dangerous – may produce spurious
answers: always check solutions.
Solve the equation: | x 2 | 3
Solve the equation: | x 1 | 6 x
2
Solve the equation: | 2 x 3 || x |
Homework: Exercise 2E page 37
Question 1 a to h
As well as: Ex 2D
Inequalities involving modulus functions
It is advisable to draw a sketch and then to find
the critical points when trying to solve inequalities
with modulus functions.
Solve the inequality: | x 2 | 2 x 3
Solve the inequality | x 3x | 2
2
Homework: Exercise 2E page 37
Question 2
As well as: Exercise 2E
Self study
Transformations of graphs
• Work through examples and practice
exercise 2F