# Math Help - help[

1. ## help[

ok so i got few questions so i was given a equation like this
y= -1/4 | 2(x+1)|+9
i identify that the parent function is y = |x| , but i totally forgot how to input the number.. as in when u plug in x what do u get as y. Does it always remain positive for an aboslute value.

2.) so if u were given a equation like this y= -[ 1/2 (x+2)]^2+10 , the negative sign in the front, is represent as -1 = a , from the general formula. Or is it just a negative sign there, if so, do u not include the transformation of a in the graph?

2. 1. The definition of the absolute value function is y = x if x is nonnegative, and y = -x if x is negative. So in order to evaluate $|2(x+1)| = |2x + 2|$, you put in the value for x, and then if $2x + 2 \geq 0$, the value stays unchanged; otherwise, it becomes positive. For example, if x = 0, then $2x + 2 = 2(0) + 2 = 2$, so $|2x + 2| = |2| = 2$. If x = -3, then $2x + 2 = 2(-3) + 2 = -4$, and $|2x + 2| = |-4| = 4$.

2. After you evaluate $(.5(x+2))^2 = .25(x+2)^2$, you see that $a = -0.25$. I'm not sure what you are asking here, though.