The graph of f(x) = |x| matches with the graph of f(x) = x when x > 0. How can we describe the absolute value function for x<0?

Question

The graph of f(x) = |x| matches with the graph of f(x) = x when x > 0. How can we describe the absolute value function for x<0?

Answer 1

Hello Sarah,

By definition,

1. |x| = x when x ≥ 0. THEREFORE, you can say that the absolute value graph matches the graph of f(x) = x when x ≥ 0
2. |x| = - x when x < 0. THEREFORE, you can say that The absolute value graph matches the graph of f(x) = -x when x < 0