Absolute value on both side of equation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the absolute value equation |3x^2 + 2x| = |x||3x + 2|. The correct solutions are x ≥ 0 and x = -2/3. A common mistake identified is the incorrect assumption that 3x + 2 = 3x + 2 for all real numbers, which is not valid. The solution method involves breaking down the equation and considering cases based on the values of x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of absolute value equations
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation
  • Knowledge of solving quadratic equations
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study methods for solving absolute value equations
  • Learn about piecewise functions and their applications
  • Explore quadratic equations and their roots
  • Practice using LaTeX for mathematical notation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills in absolute value equations.

ziaharipur
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I solved this absolute value equation and I am confuse about the answer given in the book for this question, the answer in the book is x > = 0 or x = -2/3 please tell me how can I get this answer from the following solution. Please tell the method which should be true for all such type of questions.
look at the image below
[PLAIN]http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1577/imgsb.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
ok well... one of the mistakes I see is how you reached the conclusion "3x +2 =3x +2 for all real nobs"

well, this isn't true... is it? ex: x= -1. |3(-1)+2(-1)| does not equal (-1)|3(-1)+2|.

Break it up like this:
{|3x^2 + 2x|= |x||3x+2| = x |3x + 2| } \Rightarrow { |x|=x , for (3x+2) \neq 0 }

Hence, this is true for all x \geq 0.

Now, separately consider the case (3x+2)=0. What do you get? x= -2/3

Note: LaTeX is being crazy!
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K