Direct way of solving modulus containing equations

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    Modulus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a direct method for solving equations that involve absolute values, specifically in the context of expressions containing multiple variables. Participants explore the challenges of handling numerous cases when solving such equations and seek alternative approaches that could simplify the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with the need to consider multiple cases when solving modulus equations, suggesting that a quicker method should exist.
  • Another participant counters that taking multiple cases is manageable and questions what specific variable the original poster is trying to solve for, as well as the conditions on the other variables.
  • The original poster reiterates the desire for a more efficient approach, particularly when dealing with more variables, and provides an example equation to illustrate their point.
  • A later reply emphasizes that there is no general solution for ambiguous mathematical problems and suggests that symmetry in the problem may help reduce the number of cases needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solving modulus equations. There are competing views on the feasibility of handling multiple cases versus the search for a more direct method.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of solving equations with absolute values, particularly when multiple expressions are involved. There is an acknowledgment that the specifics of each problem can significantly influence the approach taken.

phymatter
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can someone tell me a direct way of solving modulus containing equations other than taking different cases with all terms ,
i mean if we have an equation of the kind |a|+|b|-|c|-|d|=|e|+|f| ,where a,b,c..are some expressions , i cannot take 12 cases! , there would definitely be some technique to solve it directly , please help!
 
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Oddly enough, there are, in fact, many of us who can count to 12! Taking 12 cases is not all an impossible situation. However, here your real problem is that you have 6 different unknown numbers. What are you trying to solve for and what are the conditions on the other numbers?
 


i accept that we can count to 12 ,
but here the question is to adopt a quicker approach , say if there were many more variables , then ??
well as i had said a,b,c.. are some expressions in x
as an example say it is :
|2x+3|+|4x-2|-|6x|-|5-7x|=|7x+3|+|9x+2|
(i have just cooked up the values , even i do not know the answer , but it gives the idea of what i am trying to ask)
 


phymatter said:
i accept that we can count to 12 ,
but here the question is to adopt a quicker approach , say if there were many more variables , then ??
well as i had said a,b,c.. are some expressions in x
as an example say it is :
|2x+3|+|4x-2|-|6x|-|5-7x|=|7x+3|+|9x+2|
(i have just cooked up the values , even i do not know the answer , but it gives the idea of what i am trying to ask)

There is no general solution for an ambiguous problem in math. The solution will always be buried in the exact details of the problem.

Generally speaking, if the problem you are working on exhibits some kind of symmetry, terms might cancel out, and the number of cases will be reduced. Otherwise, there's no guarantees.
 

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