Vocabulary
• The function f(x) = |x| is an absolute
value function.
• The highest of lowest point on the graph of
an absolute value function is called the
vertex.
• An axis of symmetry of the graph of a
function is a vertical line that divides the
graph into mirror images.
– An absolute value graph has one axis of
symmetry that passes through the vertex.
Absolute Value Function
• Absolute
Value
Function
• Vertex
• Axis of
Symmetry
Building the Absolute Value
Function
The absolute value
function is defined by 4
f (x) = |x|.
2
The graph of the
absolute value function -5 5
is similar to the linear -2
parent function, except
it must always be
-4
positive.
Building the Absolute Value
Function
The absolute value
function is defined by 4
f (x) = |x|.
2
So we just take the
negative portion of the -5 5
graph and reflect it -2
across the x-axis
making that part
-4
positive.
Building the Absolute Value
Function
The absolute value
function is defined by 4
f (x) = |x|.
2
This is the absolute value
parent function.
function -5 5
fx = x -2
-4
Parent Function
• V-shape
• It is symmetric about the y-axis (Axis of
Symmetry)
• The vertex is the minimum point on the graph
Translation
A translation is a
transformation that
shifts a graph
horizontally or
vertically, but doesn’t
change the overall
shape or orientation.
Translation
The graph of
y = |x – h| + k
is the graph of y = |x|
translated h
horizontal units and y
vertical units.
• The new vertex is at
(h, k)
Stretching and Compression
The graph of y = a|x| is graph of y = |x|
vertically stretched or compressed
depending on the |a|.
The value of a acts like the slope.
Reflection
The graph of y = a|x| is graph of y = |x|
reflected across the x-axis.
4 4
fx = - x
2 2
-5 5
-5 5
fx = x -2
-2
-4
-4
Transformations
y = -a |x – h| + k
Reflection Vertical
across the Translation
Vertical Stretch
x-axis
a>1
(makes it Horizontal
narrower) Translation
OR
Vertical (opposite of
Compression h)
0<a<1
(makes it wider)
*Remember that (h, k) is your vertex*
Multiple Transformations
In general, the graph of an absolute value
function of the form y = a|x – h| + k can
involve translations, reflections, stretches
or compressions.
To graph an absolute value function, start by
identifying the vertex.
Graphing Absolute Value Functions
Graphing y = a|x – h| + k is straight forward:
• Plot the vertex (h, k). (note…if +h inside that means h is
negative(to the left); if – h inside that means h is positive (to the
right)
• Use the a value as slope to plot more
points. Remember you have to do positive and negative slope to
get points on both sides of the V
• Connect the dots in a V-shape.
Example 1
Graph the following functions without making a
table.
y = |x – 2| + 3 This graph will go right 2 and up 3 so from
the origin go right 2 and up 3. This is the vertex (2, 3). Now from that
point use the positive and negative slope (a = 1 here) to get more
points.
4
-5 5
fx = x -2
-4
Your turn:
Graph the following functions without making a
table.
Text book page 111 #14 4
y = |x - 1| + 3 2
Identify the vertex -5 5
fx = x
Vertex ( , ) -2
Slope = -4
Example 2
Graph the following functions without making a
table.
y = (1/2)|x| This function does not have an “h”
or “k” so the vertex is (0, 0). Since a = ½ the
slope is ½. Go up 1 and right 2 then up one and
left 2. 4
-5 5
fx = x -2
-4
Your turn:
-5 5
fx = x -2
-4
Example 3
Graph the following functions without making a
table.
f (x) = -3|x + 1| – 2 This graph will go left 1 and down two
so the vertex will be (-1, -2). Since “a” is negative the graph will open
down. Since the value of “a” is 3 the slope will be 3 and -3 (just
remember to go down.)
-5 5
fx = x -2
-4
Your turn:
Graph the following functions without making a
table.
Text book page 112 #42 4
y = 2|x + 2| - 3 2
Identify the vertex -5 5
fx = x
Vertex ( , ) -2
Slope = -4
