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2.8 Absolute Value Functions

GOAL 1 REPRESENTING ABSOLUTE VALUE FUNCTIONS
What you should learn
GOAL 1 Represent In Lesson 1.7 you learned that the absolute value of x is defined by:
absolute value functions.
x, if x > 0
GOAL 2 Use absolute value
|x| = 0, if x = 0
functions to model real-life
ºx, if x < 0
situations, such as playing
pool in Example 4. The graph of this piecewise function consists of two rays, is V-shaped, and opens up.
The corner point of the graph, called the vertex, occurs at the origin.
Why you should learn it
y
 To solve real-life
problems, such as when an
orchestra should reach a To the left of x  0, To the right of x  0,
2
desired sound level in the graph is given by (2, 2) (2, 2) the graph is given by
Exs. 44 and 45. the line y  x. the line y  x.
AL LI 1 x
FE
RE

Notice that the graph of y = |x| is symmetric in the y-axis because for every point
(x, y) on the graph, the point (ºx, y) is also on the graph.

ACTIVITY
Developing
Concepts Graphs of Absolute Value Functions
1 1
1 In the same coordinate plane, graph y = a|x| for a = º2, º, , and 2.
2 2
What effect does a have on the graph of y = a|x|? What is the vertex of
the graph of y = a|x|?
2 In the same coordinate plane, graph y = |x º h| for h = º2, 0, and 2.
What effect does h have on the graph of y = |x º h|? What is the vertex
of the graph of y = |x º h|?
3 In the same coordinate plane, graph y = |x| + k for k = º2, 0, and 2.
What effect does k have on the graph of y = |x| + k? What is the vertex
of the graph of y = |x| + k?

Although in the activity you investigated y

the effects of a, h, and k on the graph of
y = a|x º h| + k separately, these effects
can be combined. For example, the graph of 3
y = 2|x º 4| + 3 is shown in red along with
1
the graph of y = |x| in blue. Notice that the
vertex of the red graph is (4, 3) and that the 1 4 x
red graph is narrower than the blue graph.

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G R A P H I N G A B S O L U T E VA L U E F U N C T I O N S

The graph of y = a|x º h| + k has the following characteristics.

• The graph has vertex (h, k) and is symmetric in the line x = h.
• The graph is V-shaped. It opens up if a > 0 and down if a < 0.
• The graph is wider than the graph of y = |x| if |a| < 1.
• The graph is narrower than the graph of y = |x| if |a| > 1.

STUDENT HELP To graph an absolute value function you may find it helpful to plot the vertex and one
other point. Use symmetry to plot a third point and then complete the graph.
Skills Review
For help with
symmetry, see p. 919.
EXAMPLE 1 Graphing an Absolute Value Function

Graph y = º|x + 2| + 3.

SOLUTION
To graph y = º|x + 2| + 3, plot the vertex 4
y
at (º2, 3). Then plot another point on the graph, (2, 3)
(1, 2)
such as (º3, 2). Use symmetry to plot a third point, (3, 2)
(º1, 2). Connect these three points with a V-shaped
graph. Note that a = º1 < 0 and |a| = 1, so 2 x
the graph opens down and is the same width as
the graph of y = |x|.

EXAMPLE 2 Writing an Absolute Value Function

Write an equation of the graph shown. y

SOLUTION
The vertex of the graph is (0, º3), so the equation has 1 (2, 1)
the form: 2 x

y = a|x º 0| + (º3) or y = a|x| º 3

(0, 3)
To find the value of a, substitute the coordinates of the
point (2, 1) into the equation and solve.
y = a|x| º 3 Write equation.

1 = a|2| º 3 Substitute 1 for y and 2 for x.

1 = 2a º 3 Simplify.

4 = 2a Add 3 to each side.

2=a Divide each side by 2.

 An equation of the graph is y = 2|x| º 3.

✓CHECK Notice the graph opens up and is narrower than the graph of y = |x|,
so 2 is a reasonable value for a.

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GOAL 2 USING ABSOLUTE VALUE FUNCTIONS IN REAL LIFE

L
AL I EXAMPLE 3 Interpreting an Absolute Value Function
FE
RE

Camping The front of a camping tent can be modeled by the function

y = º1.4|x º 2.5| + 3.5
where x and y are measured in feet and the x-axis represents the ground.
a. Graph the function.
b. Interpret the domain and range of the function in the given context.

SOLUTION
a. The graph of the function is shown. The vertex y (2.5, 3.5)
is (2.5, 3.5) and the graph opens down. It is
narrower than the graph of y = |x|.
1
b. The domain is 0 ≤ x ≤ 5, so the tent is 5 feet wide.
(0, 0) 3 (5, 0) x
The range is 0 ≤ y ≤ 3.5, so the tent is 3.5 feet tall.

L
AL I EXAMPLE 4 Interpreting an Absolute Value Graph
FE
RE

Billiards While playing pool, you try to shoot the eight ball y
into the corner pocket as shown. Imagine that a
coordinate plane is placed over the pool table.
 54 
The eight ball is at 5,  and the pocket you are 5 ft
aiming for is at (10, 5). You are going to bank the
ball off the side at (6, 0). x
10 ft
a. Write an equation for the path of the ball.
b. Do you make your shot?

SOLUTION
a. The vertex of the path of the ball is (6, 0), so the equation has the form
 
5
y = a|x º 6|. Substitute the coordinates of the point 5,  into the equation
and solve for a.
4

5 5
 = a|5 º 6| Substitute }} for y and 5 for x.
4
4
5
 = a Solve for a.
4

 5
An equation for the path of the ball is y = |x º 6|.
4
b. You will make your shot if the point (10, 5) lies on the path of the ball.
5
5 · |10 º 6| Substitute 5 for y and 10 for x.
4
5=5 ✓ Simplify.

 The point (10, 5) satisfies the equation, so you do make your shot.

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GUIDED PRACTICE
Vocabulary Check ✓ 1. What do the coordinates (h, k) represent on the graph y
of y = a|x º h| + k?
Concept Check ✓ 2. How do you know if the graph of y = a|x º h| + k
opens up or down? How do you know if it is wider, 1
narrower, or the same width as the graph of y = |x|? 1 x
3. ERROR ANALYSIS Explain why the graph shown is Ex. 3
not the graph of y = |x + 3| + 2.
Skill Check ✓ Graph the function. Then identify the vertex, tell whether the graph opens up
or down, and tell whether the graph is wider, narrower, or the same width as
the graph of y = |x|.
1
4. y = |x| 5. y = |x + 5| 6. y = |x| º 10
2
1
7. y = |x| + 5 8. y = 2|x + 6| º 10 9. y = º x º  º 14 | |
2
10. Write an equation for the function whose graph y
is shown.
11. CAMPING Suppose that the tent in Example 3
is 7 feet wide and 5 feet tall. Write a function that 1
models the front of the tent. Let the x-axis represent
1 x
the ground. Then graph the function and identify the
domain and range of the function. Ex. 10

PRACTICE AND APPLICATIONS

STUDENT HELP EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF a Match the function with its graph.
Extra Practice 1
12. ƒ(x) = 3|x| 13. ƒ(x) = º3|x| 14. ƒ(x) = |x|
to help you master 3
skills is on p. 942. A. y B. y C. y
3

1 1
1 x 1 x 1 x

EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF h AND k Match the function with its graph.

15. y = |x º 2| 16. y = |x| º 2 17. y = |x + 2|

STUDENT HELP A. y B. y C. y

HOMEWORK HELP
Example 1: Exs. 12–25 1 1 1
Example 2: Exs. 34–39 3x 1 x 1 x
Example 3: Exs. 40–45
Example 4: Exs. 46–48

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GRAPHING ABSOLUTE VALUE FUNCTIONS Graph the function. Then identify

the vertex, tell whether the graph opens up or down, and tell whether the
graph is wider, narrower, or the same width as the graph of y = |x|.
18. y = 6|x º 7| 19. y = |x| + 9
20. y = º|x º 8| + 1 21. y = º|x + 2| + 11
1
22. y = |x º 3| + 4 23. y = º2|x + 9| + 3
3
5 1
24. y = |x| º  25. y = º|x + 6|
2 2

STUDENT HELP ABSOLUTE VALUE On many graphing calculators |x| is denoted by ABS(x).
NE
ER T Use a graphing calculator to graph the absolute value function. Then use
KEYSTROKE HELP
INT

the Trace feature to find the corresponding x-value(s) for the given y-value.
Visit our Web site
www.mcdougallittell.com 26. y = |x| + 4; y = 10 27. y = |x + 14|; y = 9
to see keystrokes for
several models of 3 4
28. y = 15|x|; y =  29. y = |x + | º 5; y = 0
calculators. 2 7

30. y = º|x º 2| + 5; y = 0.5 31. y = º3.2|x| + 7; y = º2

32. y = º3.75|x + 1.5| º 5; y = º5 33. y = 1.5|x º 3| + 6; y = 8.25

WRITING EQUATIONS Write an equation of the graph shown.

34. y 35. y 36. y
1
3 x
2
2
1x
1 x

37. y 38. y 39. y

1
1x
5
FOCUS ON
APPLICATIONS 2
10 x
2 x

MUSIC SINGLES In Exercises 40 and 41, use the following information.

A musical group’s new single is released. Weekly sales s (in thousands) increase
steadily for a while and then decrease as given by the function s = º2|t º 20| + 40
where t is the time (in weeks).
40. Graph the function.
L
AL I
MUSIC SINGLES
41. What was the maximum number of singles sold in one week?
FE
RE

A musical group’s
RAINSTORMS In Exercises 42 and 43, use the following information.
single will change position
in the charts from week to A rainstorm begins as a drizzle, builds up to a heavy rain, and then drops back to
week. The Beatles were at a drizzle. The rate r (in inches per hour) at which it rains is given by the function
No. 1 most often with a total r = º0.5|t º 1| + 0.5 where t is the time (in hours).
of 22 hit singles.
NE
ER T 42. Graph the function.
INT

APPLICATION LINK
www.mcdougallittell.com 43. For how long does it rain and when does it rain the hardest?

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SOUND LEVELS In Exercises 44 and 45, use the following information.

Suppose a musical piece calls for an orchestra to start at fortissimo (about 90
decibels), decrease in loudness to pianissimo (about 50 decibels) in four measures,
and then increase back to fortissimo in another four measures. The sound level s (in
decibels) of the musical piece can be modeled by the function s = 10|m º 4| + 50
where m is the number of measures.
44. Graph the function for 0 ≤ m ≤ 8.
45. After how many measures should the orchestra be at the loudness of mezzo forte
(about 70 decibels)?
46. MINIATURE GOLF You are trying to make a hole- y
in-one on the miniature golf green shown. Imagine that
a coordinate plane is placed over the golf green. The
golf ball is at (2.5, 2) and the hole is at (9.5, 2). You are 8 ft
going to bank the ball off the side wall of the green at
(6, 8). Write an equation for the path of the ball and
12 ft x
determine if you make your shot.
47. REFLECTING SUNLIGHT You are sitting in a boat on a lake. You can get a
sunburn from sunlight that hits you directly and from sunlight that reflects off the
water. Sunlight reflects off the water at the point (2, 0) and hits you at the point
(3.5, 3). Write and graph the function that shows the path of the sunlight.
STUDENT HELP 48. TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID The Transamerica
NE
ER T Pyramid, shown at the right, is an office building in
HOMEWORK HELP
INT

Visit our Web site

San Francisco. It stands 853 feet tall and is 145 feet wide
www.mcdougallittell.com at its base. Imagine that a coordinate plane is placed over
for help with problem a side of the building. In the coordinate plane, each unit
solving in Ex. 48. represents one foot, and the origin is at the center of the
building’s base. Write an absolute value function whose
graph is the V-shaped outline of the sides of the building,
ignoring the “shoulders” of the building.

Test 49. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which statement is true about the

Preparation graph of the function y = º|x + 2| + 3?
¡
A Its vertex is at (2, 3). ¡
B Its vertex is at (º2, º3).
¡
C It opens down. ¡
D It is wider than the graph of y = |x|.
50. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which function is y
represented by the graph shown?
¡
A y = º|x º 10| + 2
¡
B y = º|x + 10| º 2 2
x

¡
2
C y = º|x º 2| º 10
¡
D y = º|x + 2| + 10
★ Challenge GRAPHING Graph the functions.
51. y = |2x| and y = 2|x| 52. y = |º5x| and y = 5|x|
53. y = |x + 6| and y = |x| + 6 54. y = |x + (º3)| and y = |x| + 3
EXTRA CHALLENGE 55. Based on your answers to Exercises 51–54, do you think |ab| = |a|•|b| and
www.mcdougallittell.com |a + b| = |a| + |b| are true statements? Explain.

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MIXED REVIEW
REWRITING EQUATIONS Solve the equation for y. (Review 1.4)
1 3
56. 3x º 5y = 8 57. 6x + 2y = º9 58. ºx º y = 1
5 2
GRAPHING EQUATIONS Graph the equation. (Review 2.3 for 3.1)
1
59. y = x º 5 60. y = 6x + 7 61. y = ºx + 10
2
62. x + y = 8 63. 4x + y = 2 64. 3x º y = º1

FITTING A LINE TO DATA Draw a scatter plot of the data. Then approximate
the best-fitting line for the data. (Review 2.5)

65. x º2 º1.5 º1 º0.5 0.5 1 1 1.5 2 2

y º5 º3 º1 º2 1 º1 2 4 3 3

66. x º2 º1 0 0.5 1 2 2.5 3.5 4 4.5

y 5 3 3.5 1.5 2 0 º2 º3.5 º2 º3.5

QUIZ 3 Self-Test for Lessons 2.6–2.8

Graph the inequality in a coordinate plane. (Lesson 2.6)

1. y ≤ º8 2. 2x ≥ º5 3. y > 3x º 4 4. 2x + 5y < 15

Evaluate the function for the given value of x. (Lesson 2.7)

10, if º1 ≤ x < 0
3x + 9, if x ≤ 3
5. ƒ(5) where ƒ(x) = 6. ƒ(0) where ƒ(x) = 5, if 0 ≤ x < 1
2x º 3, if x > 3
0, if 1 ≤ x < 2
Graph the function. (Lesson 2.8)
7. y = 3|x º 2| 8. y = º|x| + 6 9. y = º5|x + 3| º 8

Write an equation of the graph shown. (Lesson 2.8)

10. y 11. y 12. y
5
2

1
1 x
1 x
1 x

13. BEACH SNACKS You and four friends have $15 to spend on snacks at the
beach. A medium box of popcorn costs $2.50 and a medium soft drink costs
$1.25. Write and graph an inequality that represents the numbers of medium
boxes of popcorn and medium soft drinks you can buy. (Lesson 2.6)
14. RENTING A CAR A local car rental company charges a weekly rate of $200
with 1000 free miles. Each additional mile is $.20. Write and graph a piecewise
function that shows the car rental charge. If you drive 1200 miles in one week,
how much will the rental car cost? (Lesson 2.7)

128 Chapter 2 Linear Equations and Functions