Math Problem Statement

Sketch a graph of y = 3 |x - 4| + 5.

Solution

The equation provided is y=3x4+5y = 3|x - 4| + 5. This is an absolute value function, which typically has a V-shape graph.

Key Features to Graph:

  1. Vertex: The absolute value function y=axh+ky = a|x - h| + k has its vertex at (h,k)(h, k). Here, h=4h = 4 and k=5k = 5, so the vertex is at (4,5)(4, 5).
  2. Slope: The coefficient of the absolute value, a=3a = 3, determines the slope of the two lines forming the V-shape. The slope is positive 3 for both sides of the vertex.
  3. Shape: The function is symmetric around x=4x = 4, with a slope of 33 for the right side (increasing) and 3-3 for the left side (decreasing).

Steps to Plot:

  1. Plot the vertex at (4,5)(4, 5).
  2. For the right side:
    • For x=5x = 5, y=354+5=8y = 3|5 - 4| + 5 = 8 (point (5,8)(5, 8)).
    • For x=6x = 6, y=364+5=11y = 3|6 - 4| + 5 = 11 (point (6,11)(6, 11)).
  3. For the left side:
    • For x=3x = 3, y=334+5=8y = 3|3 - 4| + 5 = 8 (point (3,8)(3, 8)).
    • For x=2x = 2, y=324+5=11y = 3|2 - 4| + 5 = 11 (point (2,11)(2, 11)).
  4. Draw lines connecting these points. The right side of the vertex increases with a slope of 3, and the left side decreases with a slope of -3.

Graph Summary:

  • The vertex at (4,5)(4, 5) is the lowest point (since the coefficient a=3a = 3 is positive).
  • The graph opens upwards in a V-shape, with both branches having slopes of ±3\pm 3.

Would you like further details on any step, or assistance with more problems related to absolute value graphs?

Related Questions:

  1. How does changing the coefficient of xx affect the steepness of the graph?
  2. What happens to the graph if hh or kk are altered?
  3. How would the graph look if the absolute value term was negative (e.g., y=3x4+5y = -3|x - 4| + 5)?
  4. Can you explain why absolute value graphs are always V-shaped?
  5. How do transformations such as shifting affect other types of functions, like quadratic or linear?

Tip:

When graphing an absolute value function, always start by locating the vertex and then calculate a few points on either side to understand the shape.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Absolute Value Functions
Algebra
Graphing

Formulas

y = a|x - h| + k

Theorems

Properties of Absolute Value Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10