Question

How do you graph `y=abs(x+1)` using a table?

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

You really only need three points to graph an absolute value equation from a table: the vertex and then a point to the left and another to the right. I usually make those two points equidistant from the vertex.

To find the `x`-coordinate of the vertex take whatever is in the absolute value, set it equal to zero, and solve.

`x+1=0\rightarrow x=-1`.

So for my table I'll use `x=-1`, `x=0`, and `x=-2`, because `0` and `-2` are both 1 unit from `-1`. We put them in order in the table:

`x=-2\rightarrow y=|-2+1|=|-1|=1`
`x=-1\rightarrow y=|-1+1|=0`
`x=0\rightarrow y=|0+1|=1`

Now plot the points and connect them with the correct shape (a V with the vertex at `(-1,0)`).