Final answer:
To graph the equation y = |5x + 1|, split it into y = 5x + 1 when 5x + 1 >= 0, and y = -5x - 1 when 5x + 1 < 0. The vertex is found by setting the inside of the absolute value to zero; it is at the coordinates (-1/5, 0).
Step-by-step explanation:
To graph the equation y = |5x + 1|, we split the equation into two separate linear equations by considering the absolute value. The equation will have two cases depending on whether the expression inside the absolute value is positive or negative.
Case 1: When 5x + 1 ≥ 0, the absolute value has no effect, and the equation is y = 5x + 1.
Case 2: When 5x + 1 < 0, we take the negative of the expression inside the absolute value, making the equation y = -5x - 1.
To find the vertex of the equation y = |5x + 1|, set the inside of the absolute value to zero: 5x + 1 = 0. Solving for x, we get x = -1/5. Substituting that back into the equation yields y = 0.
Thus, the vertex is at the coordinates (-1/5, 0).