What are Some Examples of Infinite Value Problems in Algebra?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around examples of infinite value problems in algebra, specifically focusing on equations involving absolute values. Participants explore how to approach solving these types of equations, including the conditions under which solutions exist.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents specific examples of absolute value equations, such as |2x+4| = 16 and |10x| + 5 = 40, expressing uncertainty about how to solve them.
  • Another participant questions whether the solutions are restricted to real numbers, noting that absolute value equations typically yield at most two solutions.
  • A third participant clarifies the concept of absolute value and outlines a method for solving these equations by determining the intervals where the expressions within the absolute values are positive or negative.
  • This participant provides a detailed breakdown of the solution process for the second example, analyzing the cases for x being less than or greater than zero.
  • There is an acknowledgment of the need to consider multiple cases when dealing with more complex absolute value expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of solving absolute value equations by considering different intervals, but there is no consensus on the specific examples provided or whether additional contexts (like complex numbers) should be considered.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of the solutions (real vs. complex) remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve whether the examples given are valid infinite value problems.

deficiency4math
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Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me with these infinite value questions that I really don't get... :rolleyes:

stuff like this:

|2x+4| = 16

or

|10x| + 5 = 40

(i made these questions off the top of my head, so they might not work out properly and nicely)

Thanks :smile:
 
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Are you only looking for answers where x is a real number? Since there are only at most two answers.

|y|= r if and only if y=r or y=-r.

If you're talking abuot C or some other space, just say so and someone will explain what to do there.
 
You do mean "absolute value", right?
The way to solve these questions is:
1) Determine the different x-intervals in which the expression inside a given absolute value signs are positive or negative.
For example, for your second case we have:
[tex]10x<0\to{x}<0, 10x\geq0\to{x}\geq0[/tex]
Hence, you have two distinct regions two consider: x less than 0 and x greater than (or equal to) zero.

2) See what solutions exist, if any, on each region:
In your second case:
a)[tex]10x<0:[/tex]
Here, 10x<0, so |10x|=-10x.
Thus, we must check if we have actual solutions satisfying: -10x+5=40
Rearranging terms, we get [tex]x=-3.5[/tex]
Since -3.5<0, this represents a true solution, since x must be negative in this region.

b)[tex]10x\geq0[/tex]
Here, |10x|=10x, thus we must check if we have solutions of: 10x+5=40
and we see that x=3.5 works.
Get it?
EDIT:
If you are to find solutions where you have nummerous addends in the form of absolute values, just split up your analysis in the appropriate manner.
 
Last edited:
thanks a bunch
 

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