Dana Scully wrote:I need some algebra help! Im in Algebra 2, but this semester is mostly review.
I need help graphing functions with absolute value, such as:
Y=| x |-4
And graphing equations such as:
Y=x(squared. I can't type it out on here)-6x+12
Just a note, but you can put this stuff into google to see what the graph looks like. That might help you with graphing it, as it's really hard to help with graphing when we're online because we can't sit with you doing it and examples are a good way to figure these things out.
To graph absolute values use the calculate command abs().
So to graph the first, just put "y = abs(x) - 4" into google. For the second, do "y = x^2 - 6x + 12". (The carrot signifies a number/variable to a power, that's how you write that out.)
Okay, so with that out of the way, my advice for graphing these equations where you don't just have simple slope-intercept form (y = mx + b) is to solve for a few points and use your knowledge of the general shape they should take. As you're learning these graphs, you should be learning the general shapes of these graphs. Like, absolute values graph like V's, squared equations will be parabolas, etc. Then positive/negative numbers will still give you clues of which direction the graph is pointed towards (ex. a negative x^2 will be an upside down parabola).
But solve for a few points (I always start with x = 0). Some can be close together (such as when doing a parabola and you want to get the right shape of the parabola curve), but also choose some points evenly spaced throughout your axis limits to make curved lines easier to draw.
And I suggest doing some practice. Try your own graph first, then double check your answer with google or a graphing calculator. Good luck! I hope this helped. ^^
I hope that helps some!