# Absolute value result

1. Apr 13, 2012

### trap101

Just a general question with absolute values:

Is it possible to have an absolute value of this form:

| f(x) - L | < -L (the minus sign is meant to be there) and if so how can I convert it into expanded form? i.e: -L < f(x) - L < -L or something of that form.

2. Apr 13, 2012

### LCKurtz

If L is meant to signify a positive number, then the inequality can't hold because no absolute value is negative. If L might be negative, then there is no problem. An inequality $|f(x) - a|<b$ is always equivalent to $-b < f(x)-a<b$.

3. Apr 13, 2012

### lol_nl

If L is negative, then your problem reduces to (substitute K = -L, K positive) $$|f(x) + K| < K$$ which holds if $$-2K < f(x) < 0$$.

4. Apr 13, 2012

### trap101

So the fact that there is a 2 with the K does not affect the inequality? Wouldn't I have to get rid of the 2 to make it a standard statement?

5. Apr 13, 2012

### lol_nl

Let me write it out more explicitly:
$$|f(x) + K| < K$$ means
$$-K < f(x) + K < K.$$
Now substract K from all three terms to get:
$$-2K < f(x) < 0$$.

Hence the 2 is simply the result of the calculation.

6. Apr 13, 2012

### trap101

Ok, I was just confirming if that's all it meant. Thanks.