Graph Equation: x-|x|=y-|y| - Seeking Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation x - |x| = y - |y| and the process of graphing it. Participants explore how to break down the equation into different cases based on the signs of x and y, and the implications for the graph in various quadrants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes breaking down the equation into four cases based on the signs of x and y, leading to different equations for each quadrant.
  • Another participant suggests that the first equation is valid in the first quadrant, indicating that all points in this quadrant belong to the graph.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the conditions for each case, noting that the second and third equations only include boundary points with the first quadrant, while the fourth equation indicates that the line y = x is part of the graph in the third quadrant.
  • A later reply expresses surprise at the conclusion that an entire quadrant is included in the graph, indicating a lack of prior awareness of this concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the breakdown of the equation into cases and the implications for the graph, but there is some uncertainty regarding the completeness of the initial approach and the conditions under which each case applies.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the conditions for x and y are discussed, but there may be limitations in fully resolving the implications of the equations across all quadrants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in graphing piecewise functions, understanding absolute value equations, or exploring mathematical reasoning in different quadrants may find this discussion beneficial.

NoWay1
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The equation is x-|x|=y-|y| and I need to make a graph for it.
So I thought I should solve it by breaking it down to 4 different equations, which would be -

x - x = y - y => 0=0
x - x = y + y => 0=2y => y = 0
x + x = y - y => 2x=0 => x = 0
x + x = y + y => 2x=2y => x = y

But this isn't correct, riight? I don't know what else to do, kinda lost here.
Would love some help, thanks.
 
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Hi NoWay and welcome to MHB! :D

What if:

y = x

y $\ne$ x

?
 
NoWay said:
The equation is x-|x|=y-|y| and I need to make a graph for it.
So I thought I should solve it by breaking it down to 4 different equations, which would be -

x - x = y - y => 0=0
x - x = y + y => 0=2y => y = 0
x + x = y - y => 2x=0 => x = 0
x + x = y + y => 2x=2y => x = y

But this isn't correct, riight? I don't know what else to do, kinda lost here.
Would love some help, thanks.

Hi NoWay! Welcome to MHB! ;)

It's correct all right, but you've left out the conditions.
The first equation is for the first quadrant ($x,y\ge 0$), so that $|x|=x,|y|=y$.
The second equation is for the 4th quadrant ($x\ge 0, y<0$).
The third equation is for the 2nd quadrant ($x<0, y\ge 0$).
And the fourth equation is for the 3rd quadrant ($x,y<0$).

Since the equation is always true in the first quadrant, all points in the first quadrant belong to the graph!
Your 2nd and 3rd equations show that only the boundary with the first quadrant belongs to the graph in those respective quadrants.
And the 4th equation shows that the line $y=x$ belongs to the graph with negative x and y.

In other words, the graph is:
View attachment 5967
 

Attachments

  • Degenerate_graph.png
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Wow, this is the first time I see a whole quadrant being in the graph, I would never have figured that out myself, thanks a lot for your clear explanation!
 

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