Absolute Value
Absolute Value Functions
Graphing
A function of the form f(x) = a Ix - hI + k is an absolute value function. The graph of an absolute value equation is represented by the equation y = a Ix - hI + k. The graphs of absolute value equations in two variables are v-shaped. The vertex, which is the maximum or minimum point of the graph, is the point (h, k) found in the equation. The graph of the parent function y = |x| looks like this:
The vertex of the graph above is (0, 0). An absolute value function has some similarities to a quadratic. The functions can both be written in vertex form and their graphs are both symmetrical.