Math Problem Statement

Graph the equation y = 2|x + 3|.

Solution

The equation provided is:

y=2x+3y = 2|x + 3|

This is an absolute value function, which creates a "V"-shaped graph. Let's go step by step to graph it:

Step-by-Step Graphing Process:

  1. Basic Form: The given equation is y=2x+3y = 2 |x + 3|, which is in the form y=axh+ky = a|x - h| + k, where:

    • a=2a = 2 (this controls the slope or steepness of the "V" shape),
    • h=3h = -3 (this is a horizontal shift; the graph is shifted 3 units to the left),
    • k=0k = 0 (there is no vertical shift in this case).
  2. Vertex: The vertex (the point where the graph "V" bends) occurs at x=3x = -3. So, the vertex is at (3,0)(-3, 0).

  3. Shape and Direction: The absolute value creates two linear parts:

    • For x3x \geq -3, the equation behaves like y=2(x+3)y = 2(x + 3),
    • For x<3x < -3, the equation behaves like y=2((x+3))=2(x+3)y = 2(-(x + 3)) = -2(x + 3).
  4. Slope: The slope is 2, meaning that for every 1 unit you move horizontally, the graph moves 2 units vertically.

Key Points:

  • At x=3x = -3: The vertex is at y=0y = 0.
  • At x=2x = -2: Plugging into the equation gives y=22+3=2×1=2y = 2|-2 + 3| = 2 \times 1 = 2.
  • At x=0x = 0: Plugging into the equation gives y=20+3=2×3=6y = 2|0 + 3| = 2 \times 3 = 6.
  • At x=4x = -4: Plugging into the equation gives y=24+3=2×1=2y = 2|-4 + 3| = 2 \times 1 = 2.
  • At x=6x = -6: Plugging into the equation gives y=26+3=2×3=6y = 2|-6 + 3| = 2 \times 3 = 6.

Plot:

  1. Plot the vertex at (3,0)(-3, 0).
  2. On the right side (for x3x \geq -3), plot points like (2,2)(-2, 2), (0,6)(0, 6), etc., with a slope of 2.
  3. On the left side (for x<3x < -3), plot points like (4,2)(-4, 2), (6,6)(-6, 6), etc., with a slope of -2.

The graph will form a "V" shape, with the vertex at (3,0)(-3, 0), and the lines extending upwards on both sides.

Would you like any further clarifications or help with this? Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. How does the slope of 2 affect the steepness of the graph compared to a slope of 1?
  2. What happens if we change the value of hh in the equation?
  3. How would the graph change if the absolute value term had a negative sign in front of it?
  4. Can you explain why the graph forms a "V" shape instead of a smooth curve?
  5. What would the graph look like if we added a constant kk to the equation?

Tip: Always plot the vertex first when dealing with absolute value functions, as it helps anchor the graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Absolute Value Functions
Graphing
Linear Equations

Formulas

y = a|x - h| + k
Slope formula: (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Absolute Value Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10