absolute value functions graphing: how can you tell by the equation if the graph flips upward, shifts to the right or left, or moves upwards?

i am really confised and need help because i have a test tomorrow.

to determine if the graph flips upward, we simply negate the absolute value.
 
y = | x + c |   and    y = | x - c |  ------>  upward
 
y = - | x + c |   and    y = - | x - c |  ------>  downward
 
 
to determine if the graph shifts to the right or left:
 
y = | x + c |  ----> shifts to the left
 
y = | x - c |  -----> shifts to the right
 
where c is a constant. 
 
 
keep in mind: the signs in front of the absolute value symbol does not matter in a shift. 
 
 
feel free to use a graphing calculator to experiment.