SOLUTION: The directions say to match a function with its graph. I think I can graph it on my own. But I am completly confused with how to find out the coordinates. so that I can see which

Question 162766: The directions say to match a function with its graph.
I think I can graph it on my own.
But I am completly confused with how to find out the coordinates. so that I can see which graph matches the function the best, so please help. (:

the function is: f(x) = 3|x|

Found 2 solutions by gonzo, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by gonzo(654) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
if f(x) = x, then
f(3) = 3
f(5) = 5
you substitute the x with a value of x and solve.
in your problem,
f(x) = 3*|x|
set y = f(x) so the equation becomes y = 3*|x|.
now pick some x values and you'll get some y values.
example:
if x = 3, f(x) = y = 3 * |3| = 3 * (3) = 9
if x = 1, f(x) = y = 3 * |1| = 3 * (1) = 1
if x = 0, f(x) = y = 3 * |0| = 3 * (0) = 0
if x = -1, f(x) = y = 3 * |-1| = 3 * (1) = 1
if x = -3, f(x) = y = 3 * |-3| = 3 * (3) = 9
-----
whether x is negative or positive, the y value which is the same as f(x) will always be positive.
-----
plot points from x = -5 to x = + 5 at least and you'll see the shape of the curve.
you may already see it from the points already plotted here.

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Graph of

To find the coordinates, simply plug in values of "x" to find values of "y" (which will give you ordered pairs)

Let's find "y" when x=-1

Start with the given equation

Plug in

Evaluate the absolute value of -1 to get 1

Multiply

So one point is (-1,3)

------------------------------------------------------

Let's find "y" when x=0

Start with the given equation

Plug in

Evaluate the absolute value of 0 to get 0

Multiply

So another point is (0,0)

------------------------------------------------------

Let's find "y" when x=1

Start with the given equation

Plug in

Evaluate the absolute value of 1 to get 1

Multiply

So another point is (1,3)

------------------------------------------------------

So we have the points (-1,3), (0,0) and (1,3)

So here's the graph along with the points

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