Definition of Modulus:
𝑥 if 𝑥 ≥ 0 If the expression inside the modulus is negative, then we
|𝑥| = “multiply a negative 1” to the entire expression inside the
−𝑥 if 𝑥 < 0 modulus; Otherwise, the expression remains unchanged
Graph of 𝑦 = |𝑥|: Modulus-Graph consists of 2 graphs, the
𝑦 = |𝑥| “POSITIVE” version and the “NEGATIVE” version
𝑦
Equation of the graph Equation of the graph The action of multiplying a “−1” to an
(for 𝑥 < 0): 𝑦 = −𝑥 (for 𝑥 ≥ 0): 𝑦 = 𝑥 expression in graphical terms is to
𝑥 “reflect” the graph about the 𝒙-axis
Reflected about 𝑥-axis
𝑥≥0 Linear means: graph is a “line”
𝑥<0 (expression MUST be of the form
involving "𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏" )
Graph of 𝒚 = 𝒂|𝒙 + 𝒃| + 𝒄: (Modulus of linear graphs)
𝑎 > 0 ∶ Shape of graph is a “V-shaped” Minimum point =
(−𝑏, 𝑐)
𝑦 = 𝑎|𝑥 + 𝑏| + 𝑐 Maximum point
𝑎 < 0 ∶ Shape of graph is an inverted “V-shaped”
= (−𝑏, 𝑐)
Finding coordinates of Maximum/Minimum point:
To find 𝒙-coordinate: Let “expression INSIDE modulus” = 0 and solve for 𝑥
Let this expression = 0
𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = −𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑎|𝑥 + 𝑏| + 𝑐
To find 𝒚-coordinate: This is just the constant being ADDED/MINUS to/from the
modulus expression 𝑥 = −𝑏
This is the 𝑦-coordinate
𝑦 = 𝑎|𝑥 + 𝑏| + 𝑐
(−𝑏, 𝑐)
Line of symmetry of 𝑦 = 𝑎|𝑥 + 𝑏| + 𝑐: The vertical line 𝑥 = −𝑏
(−𝑏, 𝑐)
Steps: 𝑥 = −𝑏
(i) Determine the Shape of the Modulus Graph (V-shaped or inverted-V shaped)
(ii) Determine the Coordinates of the Minimum/Maximum Point
(iii) Find the 𝑦-intercept (Substitute 𝑥 = 0 into the equation)
(iv) Indicate the “Max/Min” Point and the “𝑦-intercept” on the graph
(v) Sketch the graph by connecting the 2 points in (iv) with the Shape in (i)
Example 1:
Sketch the graph of: 𝑦 = 3 − |2𝑥 − 1|. [This is the “modulus-linear” Graph]
Solution:
Since the coefficient of the “modulus-term” is negative, the graph is a “inverted-V”.
1
Coordinates of “Maximum” point (since it is an inverted-V) = (2 , 3)
1
2𝑥 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2
𝑦-intercept: Substitute 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 3 − |−1| = 2
Graph:
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦 = 3 − |2𝑥 − 1|
1 1
(2 , 3) (2 , 3)
(0,2) (0,2)
𝑥 𝑥
Example 2:
Find the value of the constants 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 and 𝑒 given the modulus graph below:
𝑦
(2,5)
𝑦 = 𝑐|𝑥 + 𝑑| + 𝑒
(𝑎, 0) (0, 𝑏) (8,0)
𝑥
Solution:
From the coordinates of the maximum point, 𝑒 = 5 and 2 + 𝑑 = 0 ⇒ 𝑑 = −2
To find 𝑐, simply substitute a known non-maximum point into the equation:
5
Substitute (8,0) into the equation 𝑦 = 𝑐|𝑥 − 2| + 5: 0 = 𝑐|8 − 2| + 5 ⇒ 𝑐 = − 6
Now, using the symmetry of the modulus graph about its “maximum” point (just like quadratic
graphs), 𝑎 = 2 − (8 − 2) = −4
(2,5)
5
Substitute 𝑥 = 0, 𝑏 = − 6 |−2| + 5 (8,0)
10 6 6
∴𝑏=
3
Modulus Graph of “Quadratic” Expressions:
To sketch the graph of 𝑦 = |𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐|,
(i) First, sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 (Take note of any given “endpoints”)
(ii) Reflect the parts BELOW the 𝑥-axis about the 𝑥-axis. Parts ABOVE 𝑥-axis
remains unchanged
𝑥-coordinates of the required “endpoints”
Example:
Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5| for −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2. Sketching quadratic graphs of the 2
types (discussed in E-math):
Solution:
(i) 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑏)(𝑥 − 𝑐)
(i) We shall sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 first.
(ii) 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘
2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 cannot be factorized
So, we shall express 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 5 in the “completed the square” form:
2 2 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 49
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 5 = 2 (𝑥 + 𝑥) − 5 = 2 (𝑥 + ) − 2 ( ) − 5 = 2 (𝑥 + ) −
2 4 4 4 8
3 49
Coordinates of minimum point = (− , − )
4 8
Coordinates of 𝑦-intercept = (0, −5) [Substitute 𝑥 = 0 into 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5]
Coordinates of the “endpoints”: When 𝑥 = −3, 𝑦 = 4
Substitute into 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 9
Sketch of the graph: 𝑦
(2,9)
(−3,4)
𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5
𝑥
−5
3 49
(− 4 , − 8 )
(ii) Draw the modulus graph:
𝑦
3 49
(− 4 , 8 ) (2,9)
5
(−3,4) 𝑦 = |2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5|
−5
3 49
(− 4 , − 8 )
Variations of Modulus-Graph: Add/Minus a constant 𝑐
(i) Adding/Subtracting a constant: 𝑦 = |2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5| + 𝑐
Adding a constant: Translate graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5| UP vertically by 𝑐 units
Subtract a constant: Translate graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5| DOWN vertically by 𝑐 units
(ii) Multiply a “negative 1”: : 𝑦 = −|2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5| Multiply a “−1” to 𝑦 means that:
positive 𝑦 becomes –ve
Reflect the graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5| about the 𝒙-axis
Negative 𝑦 becomes +ve
Which is a reflection about the 𝑥-axis
Properties of Modulus:
|𝑥𝑦| = |𝑥||𝑦|
𝑥 |𝑥|
| | = |𝑦|
𝑦
|𝑥 𝑛 | = |𝑥|𝑛
|−𝑥| = |𝑥|
√𝑥 2 = |𝑥|
Solving Modulus Equations:
(i)
When solving equations of the type: |𝑓(𝑥)| = 𝑐 (where 𝑐 is some constant):
We simply “dismantle” the modulus AND put a “±” on the 𝑅𝐻𝑆 of the equation:
|𝑓(𝑥)| = 𝑐 ⟹ 𝑓(𝑥) = ±𝑐
⟹ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 or 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑐
Solve the 2 equations above to get all the roots to the equation.
(ii)
When solving equations of the type: |𝑓(𝑥)| = 𝑔(𝑥)
We once again “dismantle” the modulus AND put a “±” on the 𝑅𝐻𝑆 of the equation:
|𝑓(𝑥)| = 𝑔(𝑥) ⟹ 𝑓(𝑥) = ±𝑔(𝑥)
⟹ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) or 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑔(𝑥)
Solve the above 2 equations to get all the possible roots of the equation.
Check your answer to see if the value of the 𝑅𝐻𝑆 (𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔(𝑥)) is non-negative for all the
values of the roots found.
Reject any roots that give negative 𝑅𝐻𝑆.
(iii)
When solving equations of the type: |𝑓(𝑥)| = |𝑔(𝑥)|
We simply “dismantle” the modulus on both sides of the equation and put a ±” on the 𝑅𝐻𝑆
(or actually either sides) of the equation:
|𝑓(𝑥)| = |𝑔(𝑥)| ⟹ 𝑓(𝑥) = ±𝑔(𝑥)
⟹ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) or 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑔(𝑥)
Solve the above 2 equations to get all the roots of the equation.
Example:
Solve the equation: |2𝑥 − 1| = |3𝑥 + 2|
Solution:
Simply remove the modulus on both sides and put a “±” on only 1 side of the equation (does
not matter which side):
|2𝑥 − 1| = |3𝑥 + 2| ⟹ 2𝑥 − 1 = ±(3𝑥 + 2)
2𝑥 − 1 = 3𝑥 + 2 or 2𝑥 − 1 = −(3𝑥 + 2)
1
𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = − 5 [Answer]
Example:
Solve the equation: |1 − 2𝑥| + |4𝑥 − 2| = 2𝑥 + 3
Solution:
Observe that: |4𝑥 − 2| = |2(2𝑥 − 1)| = 2|2𝑥 − 1| and |1 − 2𝑥| = |2𝑥 − 1|
So: |1 − 2𝑥| + |4𝑥 − 2| = 2𝑥 + 3 ⟹ |2𝑥 − 1| + 2|2𝑥 − 1| = 2𝑥 + 3
2𝑥+3 2𝑥+3
3|2𝑥 − 1| = 2𝑥 + 3 ⟹ |2𝑥 − 1| = ⟹ 2𝑥 − 1 = ± 3
3
2𝑥+3 2𝑥+3 2𝑥+3
2𝑥 − 1 = ⟹ 2𝑥 − 1 = 3
or 2𝑥 − 1 = − 3
3
6𝑥 − 3 = 2𝑥 + 3 or 6𝑥 − 3 = −(2𝑥 + 3)
3
𝑥= or 𝑥 = 0
2
Since the RHS consists of non-modulus unknown terms. We shall check if they are positive
for our solutions found:
3 3
If 𝑥 = , 𝑅𝐻𝑆 = 2𝑥 + 3 = 7 > 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = is a solution
2 2
If 𝑥 = 0, 𝑅𝐻𝑆 = 2𝑥 + 3 = 3 > 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = 0 is a solution
3
Answer: 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2
Example: (Nov 2015 P1 Q7)
(i) Sketch the graph of: 𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 4|
A line of gradient 𝑚 passes through the point (0, −1).
(ii) In the case where 𝑚 = 3, find the coordinates of any point of intersection of the
line and the graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 4|
(iii) Determine the set of values of 𝑚 for which the line intersects the graph of 𝑦 =
|2𝑥 − 4| in two points.
Solution:
(i) It is the modulus of a linear function:
Coefficient of the modulus term is “+VE”, Shape: V-shape
Coordinates of “Minimum” point = (2,0)
𝑦-intercept = (0,4)
Shape:
𝑦
(0,4)
𝑥
(2,0)
(ii) In the case where 𝒎 = 𝟑: (this is only applicable to part (ii))
Line passes through the point (0, −1) ⟹ The line have a 𝑦-intercept of −1
∴ Equation of the line is: 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1 [Equation of line]
At the point of intersection: [We are solving a pair of equations simultaneously]
𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1 --- (1)
𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 4| --- (2)
Substitute (2) into (1): 3𝑥 − 1 = |2𝑥 − 4|
3𝑥 − 1 = ±(2𝑥 − 4)
3𝑥 − 1 = 2𝑥 − 4 OR 3𝑥 − 1 = −(2𝑥 − 4)
𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 1
Since the non-modulus side of the equation (LHS of the equation) consists of 𝑥-terms, we
must check whether the non-modulus side of the equation is non-negative for the 2 solutions.
When 𝑥 = −3: 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = −10 < 0 ⟹ Reject 𝑥 = −3
When 𝑥 = 1: 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 2 > 0 ⟹ 𝑥 = 1 is a solution.
When 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = 2
POINT of intersection = (1,2) Give in coordinate form as
requested by the question
(iii) For a general value of 𝒎:
As 𝑚 changes, the gradient (steepness) of the line changes as well. TAKE NOTE that as 𝑚
changes, the line will always pass through the point (0, −1). Thus, the line “pivots” on the
point (0, −1) as its steepness changes.
Relative to the graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 4|, we shall see that the steepness of the line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 − 1
will affect how many points of intersection when compared to the gradient of the 2 lines of
the graph of 𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 4|:
Line with
𝑦
gradient of 2
Line with
gradient of −2
(0,4)
Line passing through the
point (2,0) [which is the 𝑥-
2 𝑥
intercept of the line]
−1
The bolded lines represents the possible positions of the line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 − 1 as the value of 𝒎
changes (i.e. as the steepness/gradient of the line varies). Observe that:
Any line with negative gradient (𝑚 < 0) will never cut the graph at 2 points.
Any line with 𝑚 > 2 will only cut the modulus graph at one 1 point.
0−(−1) 1
The gradient of the line passing through (2,0) = =
2−0 2
The line with gradient 2 will cut the modulus graph at only 1 point.
So what should the gradient of the line be so that the line will cut the modulus graph at 2
points?
The “threshold” gradient of will be “the gradient of the line passing through the point (2,0)”
and “the line parallel to the gradient of one of the modulus graph”.
Any line with gradient strictly in between these 2 “threshold” gradients will cut the modulus
graph at exactly 2 points.
1
∴ <𝑚<2
2