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Algebra Lab: Graphing Absolute Value
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Activity Description
Source: Graphing Absolute Value Activity page (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])
In this activity, students learn to graph Absolute Value Functions. Using a few examples, students investigate different patterns of functions. There is a short assessment where students can check their understanding of graphing absolute value functions.
Preparation
- Make sure the site is not blocked at your school.
- Review the lesson and examples.
- Make a link to the Web site easily accessible to students if students will be working online.
- Students should be familiar with absolute value before beginning this activity.
How-To
- Introduce the lesson.
- Work through the examples pointing out the differences between each problem.
- Have students work the bottom examples one by one.
- Review their answers as a class and discuss
- Complete the lesson with a teacher-created quiz.
Teacher Tips
- Post the Web address for students to access as needed, using a Word document with links, a class Web site or a bookmark on lab computers.
More Ways
- This site is designed to help with Algebra instruction. It can be used in conjunction with the lessons in Algebra Lab, or as a stand-alone support tool.
- The site also has mathematical word problems
Program Areas
- ASE: High School Diploma
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
Levels
- High
Lesson Plan
Warm-up
Engagement
- Graphing a linear equation should be a review from a previous lesson. Also, you will want to review absolute value and how it is written in an equation.
- Give small groups of students a linear equation and ask them to graph the equation. Each group can present their solution and graph to the class.
Introduction
- Select a linear equation without absolute value. Ask students to graph the equation on graph paper.
- Introduce absolute value into the same equation, make a chart, and then graph the equation.
Presentation
Enhancement
- There is a pattern when it comes to graphing absolute value functions.
When you have a function in the form y = |x + h| the graph will move h units to the left.
When you have a function in the form y = |x - h| the graph will move h units to the right.
When you have a function in the form y = |x| + k the graph will move up k units.
When you have a function in the form y = |x| - k the graph will move down k units.
If you have a negative sign in front of the absolute value, the graph will be reflected or flipped, over the x-axis. - Graph three or four equations with absolute value and see if your students can see a pattern.
- Go to the Algebra Lab website and show your students the absolute value page.
Practice
Engagement
- In pairs, have students work on the problems at the bottom of the page. Their answers should reflect the point where the graph is deflected. They can check their answers by selecting submit at the bottom of the page. Selecting the puzzle piece next to the problem will reveal the graph.
Evaluation
- Write two linear equations containing absolute value on the board and have students graph the equations.
Application
The absolute value of a number may be thought of as its distance from zero along a real number line.
Documents
- Graphing Absolute Value Functions.png - Screenshot of Algebra Lab's activity on Graphing Absolute Value Functions
Subjects
- Math
- Algebra
- Mathematics
- Algebraic Concepts
Standards
- Functions
- 8.F.1,3 - Define, evaluate, and compare functions.
- 8.F.4-5 - Use functions to model relationships between quantities.
- Algebra: Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
- A.REI.10 - Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically.
- Functions: Interpreting Functions
- F.IF.7-9 - Analyze functions using different representations.
Tags
math, angles, area, cause and effect, complex numbers, concepts, decimals, exponents, formulas, fractions, functions, geometry, glossary, graphing calculator, graphingalgebra, linear equations, main idea, order of operation, perimeter, practice, probability, triangles, vocabulary, word problems, absolute value, algebra lab, algebralab, analyzing information