# How do you create a table of values for an absolute value equation?

Feb 12, 2015

A table of values is simply a pairing between an input and an output. Absolute value equations can range from very complex to relatively simple -- there are also many theorems and postulates that dictate the behavior of absolute value equations in various circumstances.

In its purest form, absolute value makes all numbers positive. For instance, $y = | x |$ would result in the positive form of $x$ being the output, whether $x$ is positive or negative. For instance, if $x$ is $- 5$, it would be $5$ when it comes out of that equation. Create a table of values like you normally would, but compute values enclosed in absolute value markers as positive.

Another common form of absolute value equations can be found in a form similar to $| a - 3 | = 5$

Thus:

$| a - 3 | = 5$ would have $a$ values $- 2 < x < 8$

From there, you can create a table from the values of $a$.

If you can update your question with more detail, I may be able to answer it better.