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Algebra 1 View details
5. Transformations of Absolute Value Functions
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Chapter 3
5. 

Transformations of Absolute Value Functions

Delve into transformations of absolute value functions and how these functions can be shifted, stretched, shrunk, or reflected to create new functions. The parent function of an absolute value function is showcased as f(x)=|x|, serving as a foundation for understanding the various transformations. The lesson explains how the graph of an absolute value function can be translated both vertically and horizontally. Additionally, the concept of stretching and shrinking is introduced, emphasizing how the graph's width or height can be altered without shifting its position. Reflections are another transformation type, where the function's graph is flipped without changing its shape. The lesson provides practical examples, such as Emily's water tank scenario, to illustrate how these transformations can be visualized in real-world situations. Overall, the lesson offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making it easier for learners to grasp the intricacies of absolute value function transformations.
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Lesson Settings & Tools
14 Theory slides
9 Exercises - Grade E - A
Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions
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Transformations of Absolute Value Functions
Slide of 14
The functions belonging to the same function family can be transformed into each other by translations, stretching and shrinking, or reflections. By applying one or several transformations to a parent function, it is possible to obtain any function from its function family. This lesson will focus on the transformations of absolute value functions.

Catch-Up and Review

Here are a few recommended readings before getting started with this lesson.

Explore

Investigating the Translations of Absolute Value Functions

Consider the graph of the parent absolute value function.

Graph of the parent function y = absolute value of x
Many different absolute value functions can be obtained by shifting the graph of the parent absolute value function. Absolute value functions obtained in this way have the following form.
In this equation, and are real numbers. Using the following applet, investigate how the values of and affect the graph of the parent function.
Interactive graph that allows to explore the effect of the parameters h and k
The same types of transformations that create new linear functions also do the same for absolute value functions. They affect absolute value functions in the same way, as well. However, since linear functions and absolute value functions have some significant differences, the transformations might look different graphically.
Discussion

Translations of Absolute Value Functions

The graph of an absolute value function can be translated vertically by adding a number to — or subtracting from — the function rule.
Vertical Translation of Absolute Value Function
Likewise, it can be also translated horizontally by adding a number to — or subtracting from — the rule's input.
Vertical Translation of Absolute Value Function
The table below summarizes the different types of translations that can be performed for shifting an absolute value function.
Transformations of
Vertical Translations
Horizontal Translations
Example

Matching Graphs with Their Functions

Tadeo just learned about translations of absolute value functions. He believes in the motto that practice makes perfect, so he decides to study more. The following graphs are the graphs of the absolute value parent function after a certain translation.

Translated Absolute Functions
Help Tadeo match each graph with the corresponding function rule.

Hint

Compare the given graphs to the graph of the absolute value parent function to identify the translation applied to each graph.

Solution

Begin by identifying the translation of each graph when compared to the graph of the absolute value parent function

Translated Absolute Functions

Now that the translations have been identified, recall the translation rules.

Transformations of
Horizontal Translations
Vertical Translations
Using this table, the function rules of the graphs can be written.
Example

Identifying and Correcting Error

Tadeo and Emily are classmates in North High School. They have been asked to translate the following absolute value function units to the right and then units down.
Yet, they obtained different results.
Tadeo's and Emily's answers
By performing the required translations, determine who is correct!

Hint

The graph of an absolute value function can be translated vertically by adding a number to — or subtracting from — the function rule. Likewise, it can be also translated horizontally by adding a number to — or subtracting from — the rule's input.

Solution
An absolute value function can be translated units to the right by subtracting from the function rule's input. To do so, substitute for into
Substitute

AddTerms

Add terms

Next, to translate the resulting function units down, must be subtracted from the function rule.
SubEqn

SubTerm

Subtract term

Finally, the result can be simplified by replacing with
As a result, Emily is correct.
Pop Quiz

Identifying the Translations of an Absolute Value Graph

The following applet shows the graph of an absolute value function in the form of where and are integers. Considering the translation rules, determine the values of and

Interactive graph showing different translations of the absolute value parent function
Explore

Investigating the Transformations of an Absolute Value Function

Apart from translations, new absolute value functions can be constructed by shrinking or stretching an absolute value function. Consider the following functions.
In these examples, and are real numbers greater than Investigate how the values of and change the graph of
Interactive graph showing the effects of the parameters a and b
Discussion

Stretch and Shrink of a Function

Concept

Vertical Stretch and Shrink of a Function

The graph of a function can be vertically stretched or shrunk by multiplying the function rule by a positive number
The vertical distance between the graph and the axis will then change by the factor at every point on the graph. If this will lead to the graph being stretched vertically. Similarly, leads to the graph being shrunk vertically. Note that intercepts have the function value Therefore, they are not affected by this transformation.
Stretching and Shrinking of a Graph Vertically
The general form of this transformation is shown in the table.
Transformations of
Vertical Stretch or Shrink Vertical stretch,
Vertical shrink,
Concept

Horizontal Stretch and Shrink of a Function

By multiplying the input of a function by a positive number its graph can be horizontally stretched or shrunk.
If every input value will be changed as though it was farther away from the axis than it really is. This leads to the graph being shrunk horizontally — every part of the graph is moved closer to the axis. Conversely, leads to a horizontal stretch. The horizontal distance between the graph and the axis is changed by a factor of
Stretching and Shrinking of a Graph Horizontally
Note that -intercepts have the -value which is why they are not affected by this transformation. The general form of this transformation is shown in the table.
Transformations of
Horizontal Stretch or Shrink Horizontal stretch,
Horizontal shrink,
Discussion

Stretch and Shrink of an Absolute Value Function

A stretch and shrink of an absolute value function is a transformation that changes the width of the graph of the function without shifting it. The graph of an absolute value function can be stretched or shrunk vertically by multiplying the function rule by a positive number.
Vertical Stretch and Shrink of Absolute Value Function
Likewise, the graph of an absolute value function can be also stretched or shrunk horizontally by multiplying the rule's input by a positive number.
Horizontal Stretch and Shrink of Absolute Value Function
The table below summarizes the different types of stretch and shrink that can be performed for an absolute value function.
Transformations of
Vertical Stretch or Shrink
Horizontal Stretch or Shrink
Example

Draining and Refilling Water Tank

Emily uses a water tank that contains cubic meters of water to water her plants. She drains the water tank from one faucet and then refills it from another identical faucet.

Image of a cylindrical water tank

The following graph models the water level of the tank when it is drained and then refilled after minutes.

Graphs of the absolute value function f(t)= 1/2 |t-20|
a Emily notices that when she doubles both the amount of the water and the diameter of the faucets, the graph of the function vertically stretches by a factor of If that is the case, what is the function of the transformed graph.
b If Emily only doubles the diameter of the faucets, the graph of the function shrinks horizontally. In this case, what would be the function of the new graph?

Hint
a The graph of an absolute value function can be stretched or shrunk vertically by multiplying the function rule by a positive number.
b The graph of an absolute value function can be stretched or shrunk horizontally by multiplying the rule's input by a positive number.

Solution
a Recall that, when Emily doubles both the amount of the water and the diameter of the faucets, the graph of the function vertically stretches by a factor of
Graph showing the original function and its transformation resulting from a vertical stretch
To stretch the graph of an absolute value function vertically, the function rule should be multiplied by a positive number. In this case, it should be multiplied by With this information, the function of the transformed graph can be written.
b This time Emily doubles only the diameter of the faucets. As a result the the graph of the function shrinks horizontally by factor of
Graph showing the original function and its transformation resulting from a horizontal shrink
To shrink the graph of an absolute value function horizontally, the function rule's input should be multiplied by a positive number. In this case, it should be multiplied by
Discussion

Reflection of a Function

A reflection of a function is a transformation that flips a graph over some line. This line is called the line of reflection and is commonly either the or axis. A reflection in the axis is achieved by changing the sign of the coordinate of every point on the graph.
The coordinate of all intercepts is Thus, changing the sign of the function value at intercepts makes no difference — any intercepts are preserved when a graph is reflected in the axis.
Reflecting a Function in the x-axis
A reflection in the axis is instead achieved by changing the sign of every input value.
When which is at the intercept, this reflection does not affect the input value. Therefore, the intercept is preserved by reflections in the axis.
Reflecting a Function in the y-axis
The following table illustrates the different types of reflections that can be done to a function.
Transformations of
Reflections In the axis
In the axis
Discussion

Reflection of an Absolute Value Function

One last transformation that can be applied to absolute value functions are reflections. A reflection of an absolute value function is a transformation that flips the graph without changing its shape. The graph of an absolute value function can be reflected in the axis by multiplying the function rule by
Reflection of an Absolute Value Function in the x-axis
In a similar way, the graph of an absolute value function can be also reflected in the axis by multiplying the rule's input by
Reflection of an Absolute Value Function in the y-axis
The table below summarizes the different types of reflections that can be performed for an absolute value function.
Transformations of
Reflections
Example

Construction via Reflection

a As a result of reflecting an absolute value function, some symmetric figures can be obtained. Currently, Emily is working on the following absolute value function.
By reflecting this function, she wants to obtain the letter W. Write the equation of the reflected function by determining the type of the reflection.
b By reflecting an absolute value function, a quadrilateral can also be obtained. Consider the following absolute value function.
How should Emily reflect this function to get a quadrilateral? What will be the equation of the reflected function?

Hint
a Begin by graphing the given function. Note that the graph of an absolute value function can be reflected in the axis by multiplying the function rule by In a similar way, the function can be also reflected in the axis by multiplying the rule's input by
b Begin by graphing the given function. Note that the graph of an absolute value function can be reflected in the axis by multiplying the function rule by In a similar way, it can be also reflected in the axis by multiplying the rule's input by

Solution
a To see how to obtain the letter W, begin by graphing the given function by using a table of values.

Now plot the ordered pairs and connect them to graph the absolute value function.

Absolute Value Function
Looking at the graph of the function, it can be concluded that needs to be reflected in the axis.
Reflecting an Absolute Value Function in the y-axis
Recall that the graph of an absolute value function can be reflected in the axis by multiplying the function rule's input by
b In a similar way, draw the graph of to identify the type of the reflection.

Plot the ordered pairs and draw the graph.

Absolute Value Function
It can be seen that, to form a quadrilateral, the graph of the function needs to be reflected in the axis.
Reflecting Absolute Value Function in the x-axis
Note that the graph of an absolute value function can be reflected in the axis by multiplying the function rule by
Closure

Constructing an Absolute Value Function from a Linear Function

Throughout the lesson, the transformations of absolute value functions have been covered. It has been seen that different absolute value functions can be obtained by transforming the absolute value parent function or another absolute value function. However, this is not the only way to obtain an absolute value function. Consider a linear function in slope-intercept form.
Draw the graph of this function and reflect the negative part of the graph in the axis.
Reflecting the Negative Part of a Linear Function in the x-axis
The resulting function is an absolute value function of the form where and are real numbers and cannot be
Therefore, absolute value functions in the form can be obtained by reflecting the negative part of the graph of a linear function in the form



Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Transformations of Absolute Value Functions
Exercises
Mark and Zosia are classmates in North High School. They have been asked to transform the following absolute value function units to the left and then vertically shrink it by a factor of
However, they got different answers.
Mark's and Zosia's Answers
Perform the required transformations and determine who is correct!

An absolute value function can be translated 4 units to the left by adding 4 to the input of the function.

Original Function Translated Function
f(x) = 3|x+1|-6 g(x)=f(x +4)
⇓
g(x)=3|(x+ 4)+1|6
⇓
g(x)=3|x+5|-6

Next, to vertically shrink the resulting function by a factor of 23, we will multiply the output of the function by 23.

Original Function Translated Function Shrunk Function
f(x) = 3|x+1|-6 g(x)=f(x +4)
⇓
g(x)=3|(x+ 4)+1|-6
⇓
g(x)=3|x+5|-6 		h(x)= 2/3g(x)
⇓
h(x)= 2/3(3|x+5|-6)
⇓
h(x)=2|x+5|-4

Comparing h(x) to the functions that Mark and Zosia found, we can see that Zosia has subtracted 4 from the input instead of adding. Also, it seems that Mark did not multiply the whole output by 23 — he forgot to distribute the 23 to the -6 constant. Therefore, neither of them is correct.

The points and lie on the graph of the absolute value function Consider the following function.
Find the coordinates of the points corresponding to and on the graph of

Let's look at all of the possible transformations we can perform to a function so that we can more clearly identify what is happening to our absolute value function.

Transformations of f(x)
Vertical Translations Translation up k units, k>0 y=f(x)+ k
Translation down k units, k>0 y=f(x)- k
Horizontal Translations Translation right h units, h>0 y=f(x- h)
Translation left h units, h>0 y=f(x+ h)
Vertical Stretch or Compression Vertical stretch, a>1 y= af(x)
Vertical compression, 0< a< 1 y= af(x)
Horizontal Stretch or Compression Horizontal stretch, 0< b<1 y=f( bx)
Horizontal compression, b>1 y=f( bx)
Reflections In the x-axis y=- f(x)
In the y-axis y=f(- x)

Now let's look at the given function. g(x)=f(x +3) Looking at the table, we can see that this is a horizontal translation of f to the left 3 units. To determine the points of g, we can decrease the x-coordinates of the points of f by 3. The y-coordinates will remain the same because no vertical shift takes place. The following table gives the transformed points.

Points on f(x) f(x+3) Points on g(x)
A(- 1,7) (- 1- 3,7) A'(- 4,7)
B(1/2,4) (1/2- 3,4) B'(-5/2,4)
C(2, 5) (2- 3, 5) C'(- 1, 5)
Order the transformations, starting from the vertical ones, that send the graph of to the graph of

Normally we would take the parent function f(x)=|x| and transform it into a more complex function such as the one we are given. g(x)=3|4x-2|-1 We would look at each of the transformations individually and work our way from the inside to the outside.

Parent Function y=|x|
Horizontal Translation to the Right 2 Units y=|x- 2|
Horizontal Shrink by a Factor of 4 y=| 4x-2|
Vertical Stretch by a Factor of 3 y= 3|4x-2|
Vertical Translation Down 1 Unit y=3|4x-2| -1

In this case, we have been asked to transform a complex function g(x) back into the parent function f(x). This means that we have to reverse the process. Let's do it!

Given Function y=3|4x-2|-1
Vertical Translation Up 1 Unit y=3|4x-2|-1 +1
⇕
y=3|4x-2|
Vertical Shrink by a Factor of 13 y= 1/3(3|4x-2|)
⇕
y=|4x-2|
Horizontal Stretch by a Factor of 14 y=|4( 1/4x)-2|
⇕
y=|x-2|
Horizontal Translation to the Left 2 Unit y=|(x +2)-2|
⇕
y=|x|

We have successfully arrived back at the parent function. To see the changes, we can draw both absolute value functions on the same coordinate plane.

Transformations of Absolute Value Functions

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