TOPIC

Absolute value functions

MY PROGRESS

Pug Score

0%

Best Streak

0 in a row

Study Points

+0

Overview

Practice

Watch

Read

Quiz

Next Steps


Get Started

Get unlimited access to all videos, practice problems, and study tools.

Unlimited practice
Full videos

Back to Menu

Topic Progress

Pug Score

0%

Videos Watched

0/0

Best Practice

No score

Read

Not viewed

Best Quiz

No attempts


Best Streak

0 in a row

Study Points

+0

Overview

Grade 12 Advanced Functions, University Preparation (MHF4U)
D. Characteristics of Functions
62. 12AF.D3.3
62.1 Absolute value functions

Absolute Value Function and Graph

See how the absolute value function turns into a V-shaped graph, how to write it piecewise, and how to shift, stretch, and flip it.


What You'll Learn

An absolute value function always outputs a distance from zero, so its value can never be negative.
The parent function f(x) = |x| graphs as a V shape with its vertex at the origin.
Every absolute value function can be rewritten as a piecewise function with two linear pieces.
The form f(x) = a|x - h| + k moves the vertex to (h, k) and controls how wide or narrow, and which way up, the V opens.
Reading a table of values is one of the most reliable ways to plot an absolute value graph by hand.

What You'll Practice

1

Evaluating absolute values of integers, negatives, and nested expressions

2

Converting absolute value of linear expressions into two-piece piecewise functions

3

Converting absolute value of quadratic expressions into three-piece piecewise functions

4

Using test values to determine signs across different domain regions

Why This Matters

Absolute value functions are essential for modeling real-world situations involving distance, magnitude, and error. You'll use them in physics, engineering, and economics, and they're foundational for calculus concepts like limits and continuity.

This Unit Includes

4 Video lessons
Practice exercises
Learning resources

Skills

Absolute Value
Piecewise Functions
Number Line
Domain Analysis
Quadratic Expressions
Sign Rules
Function Notation
Pug instructor
on flag

ON Curriculum Aligned