Modulus function

Key Points
Basic Skills
The modulus function/operation
returns the size of the input (and Q1. State the value of the following
not the sign) a) |2| b) | − 2| c) |5 − 8| d) |8 − 5|
In piece-wise form the modulus of 𝑥 e) |52 − 32 × 5| f) 2|6 − 10| g) 10 − |2 × 52 − 102 |
is
Q2. Write the following functions in piece-wise form
𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 0 a) 𝑓 𝑥 = |𝑥|
𝑥 =ቊ b) 𝑓 𝑥 = |𝑥 + 1|
−𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
c) 𝑓 𝑥 = |2𝑥 + 5| d) 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 − 4𝑥
The graphical transformation that
occurs is a reflection of negative Q3. By completing the table below plot 𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 4|
valued parts
𝑥 -1 0 1 2 3 4

Competency Skills
Q4. Sketch the following functions showing points of intersection

a) 𝑓 𝑥 = |1 + 2𝑥| b) 𝑓 𝑥 = |3 − 3𝑥| c) 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 − 𝑥 + 3 d) 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 − 2 − 𝑥

Q5. For the following functions state an appropriate domain and range

a) 𝑓 𝑥 = |5𝑥 − 2| b) 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 − |𝑥 − 2| c) 𝑓 𝑥 = 4 + 3|2𝑥 + 4|

Q6. For the function 𝑓 𝑥 = |2𝑥 − 1|

a) State the function in piece-wise form and hence sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

b) It is claimed that “the derivative is 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2 ” , comment on this statement referencing your graph

Advanced Skills
Q7. Decide, with reason, if the statement that “ 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 ” is correct

Q8. By using the piece-wise form solve the modulus equation 4𝑥 − 3 = 5

Q9. For the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 9 + 4

a) State 𝑓 𝑥 in piece-wise form

b) Sketch 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 and hence state the domain and range

c) Determine when the graph intersects the line 𝑦 = 4𝑥

d) Determine the minimum constant 𝑘 such that 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑘 intersects with 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥

Extension
Q10. Prove the triangle inequality for the modulus operation: 𝑥 + 𝑦 ≤ 𝑥 + |𝑦| for any 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℝ