How do you use the vertical line test to show y=abs(x-3)+abs(x-1)y=|x3|+|x1| is a function?

1 Answer
Jun 8, 2015

Any vertical line is described by an equation of the form x=kx=k for some k in RR.

If you substitute this equation into the given equation you get:

y_k = abs(k-3)+abs(k-1)

This describes a unique point of intersection (k, y_k) between x=k and the curve described by the equation y = abs(x-3)+abs(x-1)

The vertical line test is satisfied: No vertical line intersects the curve described by the equation y = abs(x-3)+abs(x-1) at more than one point.