Creating an Uneven Graph: How to Adjust Slope in Different Quadrants

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on creating a piecewise function that adjusts the slope in different quadrants, specifically for a graph resembling f(x) = |x|. The proposed solution includes using the piecewise function f(x) = {ax, x ≥ 0; -bx, x < 0}, where a and b are positive constants and not equal. An alternative formula provided is y = ((a+b)/2) |x| + ((a-b)/2) x, which effectively modifies the slope while maintaining the angle at the origin. This approach is particularly useful for physics problems requiring a single function representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of piecewise functions
  • Familiarity with absolute value functions
  • Basic knowledge of graphing techniques
  • Concept of slopes in different quadrants
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  • Research how to create piecewise functions in mathematical software like Desmos or GeoGebra
  • Explore the implications of slope adjustments in physics problems
  • Learn about the properties of absolute value functions and their transformations
  • Investigate advanced graphing techniques for visualizing complex functions
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Mathematicians, physics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced graphing techniques and piecewise function applications.

nhmllr
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This isn't really about whether a graph is odd or even, but I couldn't think of a better title
How does one make a graph like f(x) = |x|, but in the third quadrant the slope is different from the 1st quadrant?
 
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f(x) = -|x+1| + 10?

You might want to be more specific in your question. What you said doesn't really make much sense. When you want a graph like f(x) = |x|, what do you mean?
 
gb7nash said:
f(x) = -|x+1| + 10?

You might want to be more specific in your question. What you said doesn't really make much sense. When you want a graph like f(x) = |x|, what do you mean?

Ok, what I mean is that if you picture the point at which the function bends as an angle, I STILL want the angle to be at the origin, however I don't want the y-axis to bisect the angle
 
Consider that f(x)=\left\|x\right\| \Leftrightarrow f(x)=\left\{^{x,x \geq 0}_{-x,x &lt; 0} and that the angle is bisected iff the slope is the same on both sides. So, make it different on both sides. f(x)=\left\{^{ax,x \geq 0}_{-bx,x &lt; 0} where a,b&gt;0;a\neq b
 
I'm not sure if the OP is looking for a closed formula, or if a piecewise formula is ok. I can't think of a closed formula.
 
There's nothing wrong with using a piecewise function, but if you've got something against it you can always use :

y = \left(\frac{a+b}{2} \right) |x| + \left(\frac{a-b}{2} \right) x
 
uart said:
There's nothing wrong with using a piecewise function, but if you've got something against it you can always use :

y = \left(\frac{a+b}{2} \right) |x| + \left(\frac{a-b}{2} \right) x

Ah! This was EXACTLY what I was looking for- even better! This was for a physics problem, so really I wanted only one function. Thank you!
 

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