the points (1,4), (3,8) and (8,3) lie on the graph whose equation is of the form: y=a|x-b|+c where a,b and c are real numbers. find a,b and c.

well, just plug in the points:

a|1-b|+c = 4
a|3-b|+c = 8
a|8-b|+c = 3

a = -2, b = 17/4, c = 21/2