CHAPTER 1

Absolute Value and Piecewise Functions

1.1 Absolute Value Functions ....................................................................................3

1.2 Solving Absolute Value Equations .......................................................................9
1.3 Solving Absolute Value Inequalities ...................................................................15
1.4 Piecewise Functions ..........................................................................................21

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Chapter
Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency
1
Let f ( x ) = 2 x . Graph f and g. Describe the transformation from the graph of f to
the graph of g.

1. g ( x) = f ( x) − 4

2. g ( x ) = f ( x + 2)

( )
3. g ( x ) = f 1 x
2

4. g ( x ) = 3 f ( x )

5. Describe the transformation from the graph of f ( x) = x to the graph of h( x) = − 1 x + 2.

3

Graph the figure and its image after a reflection in the line y = x.

6. LM with endpoints L ( 2, − 4) and M ( 2, 0)

7. ST with endpoints S ( − 2, 5) and T ( − 4, −1)

8. ABC with vertices A(6, 4), B(6, −1), and C ( − 2, 0)

9. .EFGH with vertices E (− 2, − 4), F (4, − 4), G(4, 3), and H (− 2, 3)

10. After a reflection in the line y = − x, a point originally in Quadrant I will be in

which Quadrant?

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1.1 Absolute Value Functions

For use with Exploration 1.1

Essential Question How do the values of a, h, and k affect the graph of

the absolute value function g ( x ) = a x − h + k ?

1 EXPLORATION: Identifying Graphs of Absolute Value Functions

Work with a partner. Match each absolute value function with its graph. Then use a
graphing calculator to verify your answers.

a. g ( x ) = − x − 2 b. g ( x ) = x − 2 + 2 c. g ( x ) = − x + 2 − 2

d. g ( x ) = x − 2 − 2 e. g ( x ) = 2 x − 2 f. g ( x ) = − x + 2 + 2

A. 4 B. 4

−6 6 −6 6

−4 −4

C. 4 D. 4

−6 6 −6 6

−4 −4

E. 4 F. 4

−6 6 −6 6

−4 −4

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1.1 Absolute Value Functions (continued)

Communicate Your Answer

2. How do the values of a, h, and k affect the graph of the absolute value function
g ( x) = a x − h + k ?

3. Write the equation of the absolute value function whose graph is shown. Use a
graphing calculator to verify your equation.
4

−6 6

−4

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Practice
1.1 For use after Lesson 1.1

Notes:

Core Concepts
Absolute Value Function
An absolute value function is a function that contains an absolute value y

expression. The parent absolute value function is f ( x) = x . The graph 4

f(x) = x

of f ( x) = x is V-shaped and symmetric about the y-axis. The vertex is

2
the point where the graph changes direction. The vertex of the graph
of f ( x) = x is (0, 0) .
−2 2 x
vertex
The domain of f ( x) = x is all real numbers.

The range is y ≥ 0.

Notes:

Vertex Form of an Absolute Value Function

An absolute value function written in the form g ( x) = a x − h + k , where a ≠ 0,
is in vertex form. The vertex of the graph of g is ( h, k ).

Any absolute value function can be written in vertex form, and its graph is symmetric
about the line x = h.

Notes:

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1.1 Practice (continued)

Worked-Out Examples

Example #1
Graph the function. Compare the graph to the graph of f(x) = | x – 6 |.

h( x ) = x − 6 + 2

x 4 5 6 7 8
h(x) 4 3 2 3 4

2 h(x) = | x − 6 | + 2

−4 4 8 12 x

The function h is of the form y = f (x) + k, where k = 2. So,

the graph of h is a vertical translation 2 units up of the graph
of f (x) = ∣ x − 6 ∣.

Example #2
Graph the function. Compare the graph to the graph of f(x) = | x – 6 |.

n ( x) = 1 x − 6
2

x 2 4 6 8 10
n(x) 2 1 0 1 2
y
8

2
n(x) = 1 | x − 6|
2

−4 4 8 12 x

The function n is of the form y = af (x), where a = —12 . So, the

graph of n is a vertical shrink of the graph of f (x) = ∣ x − 6 ∣
by a factor of —12.

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1.1 Practice (continued)

Practice A
Extra Practice
In Exercises 1–4, graph the function. Compare the graph to the graph of
f ( x ) = | x | . Describe the domain and range.

1. t ( x) = 1 x 2. u ( x) = − x
2

x –4 –2 0 2 4 x –2 –1 0 1 2
t (x) u(x)

y y
4 4

2 2

−4 −2 2 4 x −4 −2 2 4 x

−2 −2

−4 −4

3. p ( x) = x − 3 4. r ( x) = x + 2

x –2 –1 0 1 2 x –4 –3 –2 –1 0
p(x) r (x)

y y
4 4

2 2

−4 −2 2 4 x −4 −2 2 4 x

−2 −2

−4 −4

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1.1 BPractice B
Practice

In Exercises 1–4, graph the function. Compare the graph to the graph of
f ( x ) = x . Describe the domain and range.

1. m( x) = x − 3 2. t ( x) = 4 x

3. g ( x) = − 3 x 4. z ( x) = − 4 x
3

In Exercises 5 and 6, graph the function. Compare the graph to the graph of
f ( x ) = x − 2 + 4.

5. k ( x) = x − 5 + 4 6. q( x) = x − 2 − 3

In Exercises 7 and 8, compare the graphs. Find the value of h, k, or a.

7. y 8. y
4
2 f(x) = x 
f(x) =  x  2

−2 2 x
s(x) = a x  −2 2 x

−3 −2 w(x) = ax 

In Exercises 9 and 10, write an equation that represents the given

transformation(s) of the graph of g ( x ) = x .

9. horizontal translation 7 units right

10. vertical shrink by a factor of 1 and a reflection in the x-axis

3

In Exercises 11 and 12, graph and compare the two functions.

11. c( x) = x − 4 + 3; d ( x) = 6 x − 4 + 3

12. p( x ) = x + 1 − 2; q( x) = − 2 x + 1 − 2
5

13. Graph y = − 3 x + 3 − 5 and y = − 8 in the same coordinate plane.

2
Use the graph to solve the equation − 3 x + 3 − 5 = − 8 . Check your
2
solutions.

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