Transformations with Absolute Value Functions

This is a great activity to get your students talking while practicing transformations of quadratic functions.

Included with your purchase is 36 cards. There are 12 graphs, 12 transformation descriptions and 12 equations for matching.

Print pages 3, 4 and 5 single sided. Cut each sheet along the dashed lines so you have 36 cards. This is considered one “deck” of cards. Each card measures 2.8 x 2.8 inches and one deck of cards will fit nicely in a zip top sandwich bag. I store all decks in a one gallon zip top storage bag.

Place students in groups of 3 or in pairs. This could be an individual task if you have time. I think it’s beneficial for students to talk to each other about the math. Typically, I use this activity after teaching the basics of transformations. If you have taught transformations for a different function, you might want to use this as a “thinking” or “discovery” activity.

Students should turn all cards facing up and match each graph with one description and one equation. Students could graph the parent function and a given equation to check their work. An answer key is also provided.

OPTION #2: Print pages 4 and 5 single sided for each group or pair. Cut out these 24 cards. Print pages 10-12 for each group or pair. Students find a matching description and an equation for each graph. They can glue or tape their answers on the provided sheets.

OPTION #3: Only hand out the description cards and have students write an equation for each. After writing the equations correctly, I give them the graphing cards for matching.

For an extra challenge you could mix in these Quadratic or Square Root Transformation Cards.