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C3 Modulus Functions

The document discusses the modulus function |x| and its properties. It defines |x| as reflecting negative values of x across the x-axis. It then provides examples of sketching graphs of functions involving the modulus, including linear functions like y=|x|, quadratic functions like y=|(x-1)(x-2)|, and solving modulus equations and inequalities both graphically and algebraically.

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atul kumar
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38 views

C3 Modulus Functions

The document discusses the modulus function |x| and its properties. It defines |x| as reflecting negative values of x across the x-axis. It then provides examples of sketching graphs of functions involving the modulus, including linear functions like y=|x|, quadratic functions like y=|(x-1)(x-2)|, and solving modulus equations and inequalities both graphically and algebraically.

Uploaded by

atul kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

THE MODULUS FUNCTION

We have already knowledge of what | x | means . We studied the rules for


convergence for a GP for example, where | x | < 1.

RECAP : | x | < 1 means 1 < x < 1 Think about this on


a number line?

Furthermore | x | > 2 means x < 2 or x>2

Also | x a| < b  b<xa<b

| x a| < b  b+a< x <b+a

Graph sketching with the modulus sign

Here is the graph of y = | x |. As you can see, all negative values of y have
been reflected in the x axis.
8 y

1
x

6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

The same idea can be applied to other straight lines. Consider the graph of
y = |3x + 1|
8 y

1
x

6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

PAGE 1 OF 5
Of course the same idea could be applied to a quadratic function such as y
= |(x 1)(x 2)|

3 y

4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6

By considering transformations of graphs (C1) we can accurately sketch


graphs such as

y=2|x1| Here, the gradient of the line is 2


4 y

3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5

y = 3 | 1 2x | by thinking of this graph in stages


Stage 1 > Draw the line y = 1 2x
Stage 2 > Draw the modulus y = | 1 2x |
Stage 3 > Draw the reflection in the x axis
(the transformation type y = f(x) )

PAGE 2 OF 5
Stage 4 > Draw the graph that is translated 3 units up
Therefore looking like this
4 y

4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6

MODULUS EQUATIONS

Solve | 2x 2| = | x | by using sketch graphs

We need to determine the points of intersection of the two graphs


4 y

4 2 2 4 6

B A

At point A : x = 2x 2 => x=2


2
At point B : x = (2x 2) => 3x = 2 => x=
3

PAGE 3 OF 5
MODULUS INEQUALITIES

These can be solved both graphically (sketching graphs to deduce


intersections) or algebraically.

Example Solve | x | < | x 3|

If we sketch the graphs, we need to be able to deduce which parts of the


graph of | x | is BELOW | x 3 |
6 y

1
x

6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

2
The
reflected bit!

From the diagram, you can see that the graphs cross where x = (x
3)
2x = 3
3
x=
2
Now look for the part where | x | is below | x 3|

3
For | x | < | x 3| x<
2

Alternatively,
| x | < | x 3|
Square both sides

Solve inequality

This method is obviously much quicker

PAGE 4 OF 5
Exercise - Sketch the following graphs

1. y = | 2x 1 | 6. y = | ln x |
2. y = | x (x 1)(x 2) | 7. y=2|x+1|
3. y = |x2 1| 8. y = | 2x + 1 | 4
4. y = |x2 + 1| 9. y = | x2 x 20 |
5. y = |sin x| 10. y = 1 + | 2 x2 |

WATCH OUT FOR THIS TYPE!

Sketch the graph of y = | x + 1 | + | x 2|

For x > 1
| x + 1 | = x + 1 and for x < 1 | x + 1 | = (x + 1) = x 1

For x > 2
| x 2 | = x 2 and for x < 2 | x 2 | = (x 2) = 2 x

So now we need to consider the nature of the graph at different


intervals, namely when

For x > 2 y = x + 1 + x 2 = 2x 1

For 1 < x < 2 y= x+1+2x=3

For x < 1 y = x 1 + 2 x = 2x + 1

The graph of y = | x + 1 | + | x 2|
8 y

1
x

6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

PAGE 5 OF 5

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