Modulus functions

The magnitude of x / absolute value

x Ignoring the sign
Read as ‘mod x’
On calculator: Abs

5 5
The modulus function is defined as:

x x0
x 
 x x0
Sketch
y x
sketch y  3x  1
sketch y  x  4 for  3  x  3
2

1. Draw the graph of y  x 4 2

2. Now reflect in the x-axis all the parts of the

graph which lie below the x-axis.
sketch y  sin x for 0  x  2

1. Draw the graph of y  sin x

2. Now reflect in the x-axis all the parts of the
graph which lie below the x-axis.
sketch y  3 | x |
sketch y | x  1 |  | x  2 |
 f ( x)  ( x  1)  4
2

1) Sketch y = f(x)
 f ( x)  ( x  1)  4
2

2) Sketch y =|f(x)|
 f ( x)  ( x  1)  4
2

3) Sketch y =f(|x|)
Homework:
Exercise 2D page 35

Numbers: 2, 4, 6
Equations and inequalities
with modulus signs

Solve:
• Graphically
• Algebraically
 Equations involving modulus functions

Graphical approach is often best – as we can see the

approximate solutions and how many to expect.
Solve the equation: | 3  2 x | x  1
Sketch y=|3 – 2x|

Add y = x – 1
 | 3  2 x | x  1
Square both sides
Can be dangerous – may produce spurious
answers: always check solutions.
Solve the equation: | x  2 | 3
Solve the equation: | x  1 | 6 x
2
Solve the equation: | 2 x  3 || x |
Homework: Exercise 2E page 37
Question 1 a to h

As well as: Ex 2D
Inequalities involving modulus functions

It is advisable to draw a sketch and then to find

the critical points when trying to solve inequalities
with modulus functions.
Solve the inequality: | x  2 | 2 x  3
Solve the inequality | x  3x | 2
2
Homework: Exercise 2E page 37
Question 2

As well as: Exercise 2E

 Self study
Transformations of graphs

• Work through examples and practice

exercise 2F