In the standard form of the absolute value function, f(x) = a|x − h| + k, what is the significance of coefficient a?
(A)It determines which point will be the vertex of the graph.
(B)It determines whether the graph is V-shaped, U-shaped, or a straight line.
(C)It determines the distance of the vertex from the x-axis.
(D)It determines the width of the graph.

Question

In the standard form of the absolute value function, f(x) = a|x − h| + k, what is the significance of coefficient a?
 (A)It determines which point will be the vertex of the graph.
 (B)It determines whether the graph is V-shaped, U-shaped, or a straight line. 
(C)It determines the distance of the vertex from the x-axis. 
(D)It determines the width of the graph.

perl · Answer

Here is a graph of the function, letting you choose the parameter a. Move the slider, how does it affect the graph? https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ffpjbbgl0e

anonymous · Answer

SOO IT WOULD BE "B"

perl · Answer

I don't think that is correct.

perl · Answer

changing `a` does not cause it to become U shaped. 
It's better to look at the width