General question, inequalities and graphing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation x + |x| = y + |y|, focusing on the behavior of absolute values in different conditions for x and y. Participants are exploring how the absolute value affects the equation under various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering different cases based on the signs of x and y, questioning how the absolute value applies in these contexts. There is discussion about whether the conditions apply only to the absolute values or also to the variables themselves.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested checking multiple conditions, including both variables being positive or negative, and the implications of these scenarios. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify what the expressions equal under different conditions, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of specifying the conditions under which the equation holds true, particularly regarding the quadrants defined by the signs of x and y. There is also mention of using a number line to visualize the problem.

rocomath
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[tex]x+|x|=y+|y|[/tex]

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
[tex]\[<br /> x + \left| x \right| = x + ( - x)<br /> \][/tex]
 
rocophysics said:
[tex]x+|x|=y+|y|[/tex]

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 [itex]x\ge 0[/itex]
|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- [itex]x\ge 0[/itex] and [itex]y\ge 0[/itex]; [itex]x\ge 0[/itex] and y< 0; x< 0 and [itex]y\ge 0[/itex]; x< 0 and y< 0.
 
symbolipoint said:
Use a number line to justify this: but if x<0, then
[tex]\[<br /> x + \left| x \right| = x + ( - x)<br /> \][/tex]

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

|x|= x if [itex]x\ge 0[/itex]
|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- [itex]x\ge 0[/itex] and [itex]y\ge 0[/itex]; [itex]x\ge 0[/itex] and y< 0; x< 0 and [itex]y\ge 0[/itex]; x< 0 and y< 0.
Thanks! Unfortunately, I have another :p
 

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