Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10.33
You can flip the graphs of equations containing absolute values if you multiply by a negative value.
Absolute Value Flips
An equation for an absolute value takes the form
y ¼jxj
. Such an equation
generates a graph in a V shape. The vertex of the V opens upward. To flip this
graph so that its vertex opens downward, you introduce a negative slope. The
form of the equation becomes
y ¼mjxj
. Figure 10.33 illustrates two graphs of
equations that possess absolute values. The V above the
x
axis represents a
positive slope. The V below the
x
axis represents a negative slope.
To use Visual Formula to implement these two equations, use the following
approach:
1. Click the Abs (absolute value) menu item. Then click in the upper equa-
tion composition area to position the absolute value bars. Pull the bars
apart so that they can accommodate a variable.