# Absolute value

1. Mar 3, 2009

### w0lfed

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find all real values of X

| x - 1 | + | x + 1 | < 1

and

| x - 1 | . | x + 2 | = 3

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

some how i am thinking i should just solve em as is and all should be fine but i think im lacking a lil bit of fundemental knowledge - some help would be fantastic

2. Mar 3, 2009

### Tom Mattson

Staff Emeritus
For the first one, start by squaring both sides. This is OK because both sides are positive, so you don't need to worry about sign changes. Some basic information that you need is:

1.) $|a|^2=a^2$ for any real valued expression $a$.
2.) $|a||b|=|ab|$ for any real valued expressions $a,b$.

For the second one you need the additional piece of information that, if $a>0$, $|x|=a$ implies that $x=a$ or $x=-a$.

3. Mar 3, 2009

### w0lfed

thanks for your help. i got the first one,
but for the second one if |a|.|b| = |a.b|
i then went on to say
-> |x-1|.|x+2| = 3
-> |(x-1)(x+2)| = 3
-> |x^2 + x - 2| = 3
-> x^2 + x = 5

have i done this write and in what direction am i meant to go from here?

4. Mar 3, 2009

### dperkin2

Once you got to |x^2 + x - 2| = 3, you need to take Tom Mattson's advice and form 2 equations using the fact that if a > 0, |x| = a implies that x = a or x = -a. Then solve both equations.

Also, what did you get for the first part as your answer?

5. Mar 3, 2009

### praharmitra

Since you have already solved the first one, here is an alternative interpretation of that equation.

|x-1| = a is the distance of a point x from point 1. similarly |x+1| = b, is the distance of the same point x from -1.

distance b/w points -1 and 1 is 2. Triangle inequality tells us, a + b >= 2 always. Therefore you can directly conclude that the first equation will have no solution because a + b can never be less than 2.

can you think of a similar interpretation for the second expression?