To translate the absolute value function \( y = |x| \) horizontally, you can use the following general rule:
- A translation of \( h \) units to the left is represented by \( y = |x + h| \).
In your case, you want to translate \( y = |x| \) 15.5 units left. So, you substitute \( h \) with 15.5:
\[ y = |x + 15.5| \]
Thus, the equation for the translation of \( y = |x| \) 15.5 units to the left is:
\[ y = |x + 15.5| \]