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Lecture Notes Absolute Value Functions

The document covers absolute value functions, defining key concepts such as the parent function, vertex, and transformations including translations and reflections. It explains the general form of absolute value functions and provides examples of how transformations affect the graph. Additionally, it outlines steps for graphing these functions and includes guided practice problems.

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parin
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4 views2 pages

Lecture Notes Absolute Value Functions

The document covers absolute value functions, defining key concepts such as the parent function, vertex, and transformations including translations and reflections. It explains the general form of absolute value functions and provides examples of how transformations affect the graph. Additionally, it outlines steps for graphing these functions and includes guided practice problems.

Uploaded by

parin
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Lecture Notes: Absolute Value Functions and Transformations

1. Key Vocabulary
• Absolute Value: The distance of a number from 0 on the number line, always nonnegative.

• Absolute Value Function: f(x) = |x|.

• Vertex: The highest or lowest point of an absolute value graph.

• Transformation: A change in the position, shape, or size of a graph.

• Translation: Sliding the graph up/down or left/right.

• Reflection: Flipping the graph over an axis.

2. Parent Absolute Value Function


• The parent function is f(x) = |x|.

• Its graph is V-shaped, symmetric about the y-axis.

• Vertex at (0,0).

• Equation:

- For x ≥ 0: y = x

- For x < 0: y = -x

3. General Form of Absolute Value Functions


y = a|x - h| + k

• a: Controls steepness (vertical stretch/shrink) and reflection.

• h: Horizontal translation (moves graph left/right).

• k: Vertical translation (moves graph up/down).

• Vertex: (h, k).

4. Transformations
1. Vertical Translations: y = |x| + k → shifts graph up (k > 0) or down (k < 0).

2. Horizontal Translations: y = |x - h| → shifts right (h > 0) or left (h < 0).

3. Reflections: If a < 0, the graph is reflected across the x-axis.

4. Stretching and Shrinking:


- |a| > 1: Graph becomes narrower.

- 0 < |a| < 1: Graph becomes wider.

5. Examples
1. y = |x| + 3 → Parent graph shifted up 3 units.

2. y = |x - 2| → Parent graph shifted right 2 units.

3. y = -2|x| → Reflected over x-axis and stretched vertically (narrower).

4. y = |x + 4| - 1 → Shift left 4 units and down 1 unit.

6. Graphing Steps
1. Identify vertex (h, k).

2. Plot vertex on graph.

3. Use slope (±a) from vertex to draw the two arms of the V-shape.

4. Apply transformations (shift, stretch, reflection).

7. Guided Practice
Graph and describe:

1. y = |x| - 4

2. y = |x + 2|

3. y = -3|x|

For each, state: vertex, axis of symmetry, domain, and range.

Summary
• Absolute value functions form a V-shape with a vertex.

• Transformations (a, h, k) control reflection, stretch, and translations.

• General form: y = a|x - h| + k.

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