Modulus Function: Full Concepts With Graphs

Main takeaway: The modulus function f(x) = |x| has domain (−∞, ∞) and range [1] [2] [3] .

1) Definition, Notation, and Piecewise Form

The modulus (absolute value) of a real number x measures its distance from 0 on the number
line. Formally:
|x| = x, if x ≥ 0
|x| = −x, if x < 0
Equivalent piecewise function:
f(x) = |x| = { x for x ≥ 0; −x for x < 0 } [1] [4]
Consequences:
Non‑negativity: |x| ≥ 0 for all x [5]
Positive definiteness: |x| = 0 if and only if x = 0 [5]
Even function: |−x| = |x| → symmetry about the y-axis [5]
Basic V-shaped graph with vertex at (0,0):
Basic Modulus Function f(x) = |x| showing V-shaped graph with domain and range

2) Domain and Range With Visual Insight

Domain: All real numbers, (−∞, ∞), since |x| is defined for every real input [1] [2]
Range: Non‑negative reals, [1] [2]
Interpretation: the graph extends left and right without restriction (full domain), but never drops
below the x-axis (non‑negative range). [3]

3) Graph Construction and Key Features

Construct using the piecewise lines:
y = x for x ≥ 0 (slope +1)
y = −x for x < 0 (slope −1)
Key features:
Vertex at (0,0)
Symmetry about y-axis (even function)
Continuous everywhere; not differentiable at x = 0 (corner)
Intercepts: x-intercept and y-intercept both at 0 [3] [6]
4) Fundamental Properties and Their Uses
Triangle inequality: |x + y| ≤ |x| + |y| [5]
Reverse triangle inequality: ||x| − |y|| ≤ |x − y| [5]
Product: |xy| = |x||y|; Quotient: |x/y| = |x|/|y|, y ≠ 0 [5]
Idempotent: ||x|| = |x| [5]
Applications: bounding errors, controlling distances, proving inequalities, and simplifying
expressions in algebra and calculus. [6] [7]

5) Transformations of the Modulus Graph

General transformed form: f(x) = a|b(x − h)| + k
Horizontal shift by h → vertex moves to (h,0)
Vertical shift by k → vertex to (h,k)
Vertical stretch/compression by |a|; reflect across x-axis if a < 0
Horizontal scale by 1/|b|
Example 1: g(x) = |x − 2| + 1
Shift right 2, up 1 → vertex (2,1). Same V opening upward [8] [9]

Transformation of Modulus Function: f(x) = |x - 2| + 1

Example 2: Compare multiple transformations
 y = |x| (baseline)
y = 2|x| (narrower V due to vertical stretch)
y = −|x| + 3 (reflection across x-axis and shift up; vertex at (0,3)) [8]

Multiple Modulus Function Transformations Comparison

These visuals make it easy to predict intercepts, vertex position, and opening.

6) Continuity and Differentiability

Continuous for all real x (no breaks) [6]
Derivative:
f′(x) = 1 for x > 0
f′(x) = −1 for x < 0
Not differentiable at x = 0 (left and right derivatives differ) [6]
Geometric reason: sharp corner at the vertex.

7) Solving Equations Involving Modulus

Canonical pattern |X| = c:
c > 0 → X = ±c (two solutions)
c = 0 → X = 0 (one solution)
c < 0 → no real solution [10]
Graphical method example: Solve |x − 1| = 2
Intersections of y = |x − 1| and y = 2 occur at x = −1 and x = 3

Solving Modulus Equation |x - 1| = 2 Graphically

Algebraic method (by cases):
x−1≥0→x−1=2⇒x=3
x − 1 < 0 → −(x − 1) = 2 ⇒ x = −1

8) Inequalities With Modulus (Intervals on Number Line)

|x − a| ≤ r describes a closed interval: [a − r, a + r]
|x − a| < r describes an open interval: (a − r, a + r)
|x − a| ≥ r describes two rays: (−∞, a − r] ∪ [6]
Example: |2x − 4| ≤ 6 ⇒ |x − 2| ≤ 3 ⇒ x ∈ [−1, 5]

9) Composite and Nested Modulus Expressions

Strategy:
1. Identify critical points where inner expressions are zero.
2. Split the real line into intervals using those points.
3. Remove bars in each interval according to the sign of the inner expression.
4. Solve and validate solutions against interval conditions.
Example: |x + 1| = |2x − 3|
Critical points: x = −1, 3/2
Solve casewise on (−∞, −1], (−1, 3/2),

10) Real‑World Applications

Distance on the real line: distance between x and y is |x − y| [5]
Measurement error bounds: |measured − true| ≤ tolerance [7]
Robust estimation: minimizing sum of absolute deviations yields the median [6]
Signal processing and engineering: magnitudes, rectifiers, and envelope calculations [7]
These contexts explain why the range is non‑negative and why the function is widely used in
analysis and modeling.

11) Practice Set (With Hints)

1. Find domain and range of f(x) = |2x − 5|.
Hint: inside is linear → domain (−∞, ∞); absolute value ≥ 0 → range
2. Sketch y = |x + 3| − 2 and mark vertex/intercepts.
Hint: vertex at (−3, −2); V opens upward.
3. Solve |x + 2| = 7.
Answer: x = 5 or x = −9.
4. Solve |x − 4| ≤ 3 and represent on number line.
Answer: x ∈. [1] [7]
5. Compare widths: y = |x| vs y = 0.5|x|.
Hint: coefficient < 1 makes V wider.
6. Solve |2x − 3| = |x + 1|.
Answer: x = 2 or x = −1.
7. Prove |x| + |y| ≥ |x + y| (triangle inequality) by cases.
Hint: square both sides or use geometric interpretation.

12) Quick Summary

Definition: |x| equals x for x ≥ 0, and −x for x < 0 [1] [4]
Domain/Range: (−∞, ∞) and [1] [2]
Graph: V-shaped, vertex at origin; continuous everywhere, not differentiable at 0 [3] [6]
Transformations: a|b(x − h)| + k moves and rescales the V systematically [8] [9]
Equations/Inequalities: solve by cases or graphing; interpret inequalities as intervals [6] [10]
Charts included in this note:
Basic modulus graph with domain and range annotations
Transformation y = |x − 2| + 1 vs baseline y = |x|
 Multiple transformation comparisons
Graphical solution to |x − 1| = 2
If a printable version spanning eight or more pages is required for submission, the attached PDF
contains all sections, explanations, and the embedded graphs formatted for PUC assignment
standards.
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1. [Link]
2. [Link]
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5. [Link]
6. [Link]
s/3.06:_Absolute_Value_Functions
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9. [Link]
Sheets-Edexcel/Ch.2 Functions and [Link]
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11. [Link]
86dd93e63/aa16c239-96a3-4c10-9940-66a3152b5668/[Link]