Question

how to graph y=|1/2x| ?

Answer 1

do u know how to graph 1/2 x

Answer 2

Is it
\[y=|\frac{1}{2x}|\]

Answer 3

just move all the -y values to the +y

Answer 4

no is it y=|1/2 x|

Answer 5

I dont understand

Answer 6

Are you planning to sketch or plot?

Answer 7

absolute value is moving all -ve values to +ve
so the right side of the graph stays the same, but since the left side is -ve when u plug in values less than in x.

let's say y = -5 , the absolute value will be 5
(-5, -5 ) will be (-5, 5)

Answer 8

sam I need to stetch it. and Lovekblue the graph needs to be in a V shape

Answer 9

Im really confused

Answer 10

lets create a table. write down an x y table. put a few easy points. -4, -2, 0, 2 4. Then find the y-values for these. This will help you see a little better what lovekblue was trying to say. Absolute value graphs will look like a "V"

Answer 11

okay, and I would find the y-values by substituting the x values into y=|1/2 x| ?

Answer 12

correct.

Answer 13

okay I got -2,-1,0,1,2

Answer 14

do you see that if you graph that the line comes down from the left, hits zero, and takes back up to the right looking like a V. This is the graph!!

Answer 15

Thanks ! :)

Answer 16

Yup, when in doubt just start picking easy points. Always a quick method to get an idea especially on a test.

Answer 17

alright :)

Answer 18

I should let you know about this site. Wolframalpha.com Type in anything you want and it will solve and graph it.