Narrower Absolute Value Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 20 views

Absolute value functions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in algebra and calculus. These functions are used to model real-world problems, such as distance, speed, and time. In this article, we will explore which absolute value functions will be narrower than the parent function, ${$ f(x) = |x| $}$.

The Parent Function

The parent function, ${$ f(x) = |x| $}$, is a basic absolute value function that represents the distance of a point from the origin on the number line. It is a V-shaped graph with its vertex at the origin (0, 0). The function is symmetric about the y-axis and has a minimum value of 0.

Narrower Absolute Value Functions

To determine which absolute value functions will be narrower than the parent function, we need to analyze each option carefully.

Option A: ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{2}|x| $}$

This function is a horizontal compression of the parent function by a factor of 2. The coefficient ${\frac{1}{2}}$ outside the absolute value function compresses the graph horizontally, making it narrower. This is because the function is now stretched vertically, resulting in a narrower graph.

Option B: ${$ f(x) = 1.2|x+8| $}$

This function is a horizontal shift and vertical stretch of the parent function. The addition of 8 inside the absolute value function shifts the graph 8 units to the left, while the coefficient 1.2 outside the absolute value function stretches the graph vertically. However, the vertical stretch is not enough to make the graph narrower than the parent function.

Option C: ${$ f(x) = |x| + 3 $}$

This function is a vertical translation of the parent function. The addition of 3 outside the absolute value function shifts the graph 3 units upward, but it does not affect the width of the graph. Therefore, this function is not narrower than the parent function.

Option D: ${$ f(x) = |x-4| $}$

This function is a horizontal shift of the parent function. The subtraction of 4 inside the absolute value function shifts the graph 4 units to the right, but it does not affect the width of the graph. Therefore, this function is not narrower than the parent function.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that only Option A, ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{2}|x| $}$, is a narrower absolute value function than the parent function. The horizontal compression by a factor of 2 makes the graph narrower, while the other options either shift the graph horizontally or vertically, but do not affect the width of the graph.

Key Takeaways

Absolute value functions can be narrowed or widened by horizontal or vertical transformations.
Horizontal compression makes the graph narrower, while horizontal or vertical shifts do not affect the width of the graph.
Vertical translations can make the graph wider or narrower, depending on the direction of the translation.

Practice Problems

Determine which of the following absolute value functions will be narrower than the parent function: ${$ f(x) = \frac{3}{4}|x| $}$, ${$ f(x) = 2|x-2| $}$, ${$ f(x) = |x| + 2 $}$, and ${$ f(x) = |x+1| $}$.
Graph the absolute value function ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{3}|x| $}$ and determine its width compared to the parent function.

Solutions

The correct answer is ${$ f(x) = \frac{3}{4}|x| $}$, which is a horizontal compression of the parent function by a factor of ${\frac{4}{3}}$ .
The graph of ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{3}|x| $}$ is a horizontal stretch of the parent function by a factor of 3, making it wider than the parent function.
Absolute Value Functions: Q&A =============================

In our previous article, we explored which absolute value functions will be narrower than the parent function, ${$ f(x) = |x| $}$. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about absolute value functions.

Q: What is the parent function of absolute value functions?

A: The parent function of absolute value functions is ${$ f(x) = |x| $}$, which represents the distance of a point from the origin on the number line. It is a V-shaped graph with its vertex at the origin (0, 0).

Q: How do you determine if an absolute value function is narrower or wider than the parent function?

A: To determine if an absolute value function is narrower or wider than the parent function, you need to analyze the transformations applied to the parent function. If the function is compressed horizontally, it will be narrower. If the function is stretched horizontally, it will be wider.

Q: What is the effect of a horizontal compression on an absolute value function?

A: A horizontal compression of an absolute value function makes it narrower. This is because the function is stretched vertically, resulting in a narrower graph.

Q: What is the effect of a horizontal stretch on an absolute value function?

A: A horizontal stretch of an absolute value function makes it wider. This is because the function is compressed vertically, resulting in a wider graph.

Q: How do you graph an absolute value function?

A: To graph an absolute value function, you need to follow these steps:

Graph the parent function, ${$ f(x) = |x| $}$.
Apply the transformations to the parent function, such as horizontal or vertical shifts, compressions, or stretches.
Plot the new graph based on the transformations applied.

Q: What are some common transformations applied to absolute value functions?

A: Some common transformations applied to absolute value functions include:

Horizontal shifts: ${$ f(x) = |x-a| $}$
Vertical shifts: ${$ f(x) = |x| + b $}$
Horizontal compressions: ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{a}|x| $}$
Horizontal stretches: ${$ f(x) = a|x| $}$

Q: How do you determine the width of an absolute value function?

A: To determine the width of an absolute value function, you need to find the x-intercepts of the graph. The width of the graph is the distance between the x-intercepts.

Q: What is the significance of absolute value functions in real-world applications?

A: Absolute value functions are used to model real-world problems, such as distance, speed, and time. They are also used in physics, engineering, and economics to model phenomena such as motion, vibration, and oscillation.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about absolute value functions. We have discussed the parent function, transformations, graphing, and real-world applications of absolute value functions. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of absolute value functions and their significance in mathematics and real-world applications.

Practice Problems

Determine the width of the absolute value function ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{2}|x| $}$.
Graph the absolute value function ${$ f(x) = 2|x-3| $}$ and determine its width.
What is the effect of a horizontal compression on an absolute value function?
How do you determine the x-intercepts of an absolute value function?
What is the significance of absolute value functions in real-world applications?

Solutions

The width of the absolute value function ${$ f(x) = \frac{1}{2}|x| $}$ is 2.
The graph of ${$ f(x) = 2|x-3| $}$ is a horizontal shift and vertical stretch of the parent function, making it wider than the parent function.
A horizontal compression of an absolute value function makes it narrower.
To determine the x-intercepts of an absolute value function, you need to set the function equal to 0 and solve for x.
Absolute value functions are used to model real-world problems, such as distance, speed, and time, and are also used in physics, engineering, and economics to model phenomena such as motion, vibration, and oscillation.