Understanding Absolute Value Functions – How to Graph y = |x| and Interpret its Behavior

y= |x|

absolute value parent function

The equation y = |x| represents an absolute value function. An absolute value function is a piece-wise defined function where the output value (y) is equal to the absolute value of the input value (x).

In this specific equation, the absolute value of x is taken, meaning that any negative value of x is multiplied by -1 to make it positive before assigning it to y, while any positive value of x remains unchanged.

To graph y = |x|, you can consider different values of x, calculate their corresponding y-values, and plot the points on a coordinate plane. Here are a few points to consider:

When x = -2, y = |-2| = 2.
When x = -1, y = |-1| = 1.
When x = 0, y = |0| = 0.
When x = 1, y = |1| = 1.
When x = 2, y = |2| = 2.

Plotting these points on a coordinate plane will give you a V-shaped graph that includes the points (-2, 2), (-1, 1), (0, 0), (1, 1), and (2, 2). The graph extends infinitely in both the positive and negative x-directions, as the absolute value of any number is always positive.

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