Prentice Hall Algebra 1

5-8 Graphing Absolute Value Functions

Objectives

To graph an absolute value function

To translate the graph of an absolute value function

Solve it: Tyler asks, “Remember families of functions from Lesson 5-3?”
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In the Solve It you described how one line could be shifted to result in a second line. You can use a similar method to graph absolute value functions. An absolute value function has a V-shaped graph that opens up or down. The parent function for the family of absolute value functions is y equals vertical line x vertical line .

A translation is a shift of a graph horizontally, vertically, or both. The result is a graph of the same size and shape, but in a different position.

Essential Understanding You can quickly graph absolute value equations by shifting the graph of y equals vertical line x vertical line .


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Table of Contents

Prentice Hall Algebra 1 Chapter 1 Foundations for Algebra Chapter 2 Solving Equations Chapter 3 Solving Inequalities Chapter 4 An Introduction to Functions Chapter 5 Linear Functions Chapter 6 Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 7 Exponents and Exponential Functions Chapter 8 Polynomials and Factoring Chapter 9 Quadratic Functions and Equations Chapter 10 Radical Expressions and Equations Chapter 11 Rational Expressions and Functions Chapter 12 Data Analysis and Probability Skills Handbook Reference Visual Glossary Selected Answers Index Acknowledgments