Solving Inequalities with Absolute Values

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In summary, for the first conversation, if $|x-2|<A$, then $|2x-4|<3$, and in order for this inequality to hold true, $A$ must be greater than $\frac{3}{2}$. However, the textbook answer states that $A$ must be greater than or equal to $\frac{3}{2}$.For the second conversation, it can be shown that $|2x-3|<A$ if $|x-a|<5$, and the maximum value for $A$ is when $a=11$, so the textbook answer is $a \ge 11$.
  • #1
Dethrone
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1. if $|x-2|<A$, then $|2x-4|<3$

My steps:

$$|2x-4|<3$$
$$2|x-2|<3$$
$$|x-2|<3/2$$

Hence, $A>3/2$, why does the answer say that $A\ge 3/2$?

2.
if $|x-a|<5$, then $|2x-3|<A$

No idea how to do this one...I tried to manipulate the right inequality into a form such as $|2x-4|$, but I was unsuccessful, any hints?
 
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  • #2
Rido12 said:
1. if $|x-2|<A$, then $|2x-4|<3$

My steps:

$$|2x-4|<3$$
$$2|x-2|<3$$
$$|x-2|<3/2$$

Hence, $A>3/2$, why does the answer say that $A\ge 3/2$?

2.
if $|x-a|<5$, then $|2x-3|<A$

No idea how to do this one...I tried to manipulate the right inequality into a form such as $|2x-4|$, but I was unsuccessful, any hints?

About the number 1 is pretty obvious that if $A = \frac{3}{2}$ and $|x-2| < \frac{3}{2}$ is also $|x-2| < A$...

About the number 2 is...

$\displaystyle |x - a| < 5 \implies a - 5 < x < a+5 \implies 2 a - 10 < 2 x < 2 a + 10 \implies 2 a - 13 < 2 x - 3 < 2 a + 7 \implies |2 x - 3| < A$

... where $\displaystyle A = \text {max} \{|2 a - 13|, |2 a + 7| \}$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
I follow that, but the answer for a) in my textbook is $a\ge 3/2$. Is that correct? I got $a>3/2$ as my answer.

I understand how you did the second one, but can you explain how I can obtain the answer $a \ge 11$ from that?
 

FAQ: Solving Inequalities with Absolute Values

What is an inequality?

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two quantities using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. It shows a relationship between the two quantities, indicating which one is larger or smaller.

How do you solve an inequality for A?

To solve an inequality for A, you need to isolate the variable A on one side of the inequality symbol (<, >, ≤, or ≥). This can be done by using inverse operations, just like solving equations. Remember to follow the same rules for solving equations, such as performing the same operation on both sides to maintain the balance.

What are the key steps for solving inequalities for A?

The key steps for solving inequalities for A are: 1. Simplify both sides of the inequality by combining like terms.2. Move all terms containing A to one side of the inequality symbol.3. Use inverse operations to isolate A on one side of the inequality symbol.4. If multiplying or dividing by a negative number, remember to reverse the inequality symbol.5. Simplify the inequality and express the solution in interval notation or set builder notation.

How do you graph inequalities for A?

To graph inequalities for A, you can first rewrite the inequality in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). Then, plot the y-intercept (b) and use the slope (m) to find additional points to plot. Finally, draw a line through the points and use shading to show the region that satisfies the inequality.

What is the difference between solving equations and solving inequalities for A?

The main difference between solving equations and solving inequalities for A is that equations have one specific solution, while inequalities can have multiple solutions. This is because equations show an exact equality, while inequalities show a range of values that are greater than, less than, or equal to a certain number. Additionally, when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, the inequality symbol needs to be reversed to maintain the balance, which is not necessary when solving equations.

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