General question, inequalities and graphing

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the equation x + |x| = y + |y| and the conditions under which it holds true. Participants clarify that the behavior of x and |x| depends on whether x is positive or negative, leading to four cases based on the signs of x and y. It is emphasized that the absolute value applies only to |x| and does not imply that x equals -x. The importance of using a number line to visualize these conditions is also noted. Ultimately, understanding these cases is crucial for solving the equation accurately.
rocomath
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x+|x|=y+|y|

so for x which in a sense will be the same for y

x if x > 0
-x if x < 0

now does that only apply to my absolute x? or does it apply to both x and |x|?
 
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You should consider four sets of conditions: both less than zero, both greater than zero, one less and other greater; the other greater and the one less. An obvious solution is in case x=y=0, but you should check the other four conditions.
 
no i meant if x < 0, then does it become

(-x) + (-x) or x + (-x)

does the condition only apply to the absolute value? but i checked my SM, i couldn't resist any longer :p
 
Use a number line to justify this: but if x<0, then
\[<br /> x + \left| x \right| = x + ( - x)<br /> \]<br />
 
rocophysics said:
x+|x|=y+|y|

so for x which in a sense will be the same for y

x if x > 0
-x if x < 0

now does that only apply to my absolute x? or does it apply to both x and |x|?
The trouble is you don't say what those two lines are EQUAL to. You should say "for x

|x|= x if x\ge 0
|x|= -x if x< 0.

Yes, of course, that applies only to the absolute value of x- it wouldn't make sense to say that x= -x! As symbolipoint said, you will have 4 cases to consider- the four quadrants- x\ge 0 and y\ge 0; x\ge 0 and y< 0; x< 0 and y\ge 0; x< 0 and y< 0.
 
symbolipoint said:
Use a number line to justify this: but if x<0, then
\[<br /> x + \left| x \right| = x + ( - x)<br /> \]<br />

HallsofIvy said:
The trouble is you don't say what those two lines are EQUAL to. You should say "for x

|x|= x if x\ge 0
|x|= -x if x< 0.

Yes, of course, that applies only to the absolute value of x- it wouldn't make sense to say that x= -x! As symbolipoint said, you will have 4 cases to consider- the four quadrants- x\ge 0 and y\ge 0; x\ge 0 and y< 0; x< 0 and y\ge 0; x< 0 and y< 0.
Thanks! Unfortunately, I have another :p
 
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