Since the absolute value of a number is always positive, when we graph the equation y = |x| the shape of our graph looks quite different from the graph of y = x.
(see the demonstration below for more detail)
The graph of every linear (not quadratic etc..) absolute value always has a "V" or a sideways "V" shape. This "V" is the result of the negative absolute values becoming positive.
Practice Problems
Step 1: Fill in x and y values of points on the graph to determine the correct equation.
Fill Chart
Y
X1
X2
2
1
-1
3
2
-2
4
3
-3
What is the equation of the graph on the left?
Equation
To determine the equation represented by the graph on the left, fill out the chart below.
