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1.1 Modulus Functions

This document provides notes on modulus functions in A Level Maths, covering how to sketch graphs and solve equations involving modulus. It explains the characteristics of modulus functions, including their graphical representations and the steps to solve related equations. Key differences between y = |f(x)| and y = f(|x|) are also highlighted, along with the importance of sketching graphs for accurate solutions.

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Vikram Karthikgayan
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6 views

1.1 Modulus Functions

This document provides notes on modulus functions in A Level Maths, covering how to sketch graphs and solve equations involving modulus. It explains the characteristics of modulus functions, including their graphical representations and the steps to solve related equations. Key differences between y = |f(x)| and y = f(|x|) are also highlighted, along with the importance of sketching graphs for accurate solutions.

Uploaded by

Vikram Karthikgayan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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YOUR NOTES
A Level Maths CIE 

1.1 Modulus Functions

CONTENTS
1.1.1 Modulus Functions - Sketching Graphs
1.1.2 Modulus Functions - Solving Equations

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1.1.1 Modulus Functions - Sketching Graphs YOUR NOTES


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Modulus Functions - Sketching Graphs YOUR NOTES


Modulus functions 
The modulus function makes any ‘input’ positive
|x| = x if x ≥ 0 |f(x)| = f(x) if f(x) ≥ 0
|x| = -x if x < 0 |f(x)| = -f(x) if f(x) < 0
For example: |5| = 5 and |-5| = 5
Sometimes called absolute value
How do I sketch the graph of the modulus function: y = a |­x + p| + q?
The graph will look like a “ꓦ” if a > 0 or a “ꓥ” if a < 0
There will be a vertex at the point (-p, q)
There could be 0, 1 or 2 roots
This depends on the location of the vertex and the orientation of the graph (ꓦ or ꓥ)
Compare this to the completed square form of a quadratic a(x + p)² + q

How do I sketch the graph of the modulus of a function: y = |f(x)|?


STEP 1 Pencil in the graph of y = f(x)
STEP 2 Reflect anything below the x-axis, in the x-axis, to get y = |f(x)|

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How do I sketch the graph of a function of a modulus: y = f(|x|)?


STEP 1 Sketch the graph of y = f(x) only for x ≥ 0
STEP 2 Reflect this in the y-axis

What is the difference between y = |f(x)| and y = f(|x|)?


There is a difference between y = |f(x)| and y = f(|x|)
The graph of y = |f(x)| never goes below the x-axis

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It does not have to have any lines of symmetry YOUR NOTES


The graph of y = f(|x|) is always symmetrical about the y-axis 
It can go below the y-axis

For the exam you will only be asked to do this when f(x) is linear
Your graphs will all look like a “ꓦ” or a “ꓥ”
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You can also think of these graphs as transformations of the graph y = |x| YOUR NOTES

 Worked Example

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1.1.2 Modulus Functions - Solving Equations YOUR NOTES


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Modulus Functions - Solving Equations YOUR NOTES


Modulus graphs and equations 
Two non-parallel straight-line graphs would intersect once
If modulus involved there could be more than one intersection
Deducing where these intersections are is crucial to solving equations

How do I solve modulus equations?


STEP 1 Sketch the graphs including any modulus (reflected) parts
(see Modulus Functions – Sketching Graphs)
STEP 2 Locate the graph intersections
STEP 3 Solve the appropriate equation(s) or inequality
For | f (x ) | = | g(x ) | the two possible equations are f (x ) = g(x ) and
f (x ) = − g(x )

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 Exam Tip
Sketching the graphs is important as solving algebraically can lead to invalid
solutions.
For example, x = 1 is a solution to x − 4 = 2x − 5 but it is not a solution to
|x − 4 | = 2x − 5 (substitute x = 1 into both sides and see why it does not work).

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YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

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