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

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SUMMARY

The equation x - |x| = y - |y| can be analyzed by breaking it down into four distinct cases based on the signs of x and y. The first case applies to the first quadrant (x, y ≥ 0), where the equation holds true for all points. The second case applies to the fourth quadrant (x ≥ 0, y < 0), showing that only the boundary with the first quadrant is included. The third case pertains to the second quadrant (x < 0, y ≥ 0), which also includes only the boundary. The fourth case for the third quadrant (x, y < 0) reveals that the line y = x is part of the graph. Thus, the graph consists of the entire first quadrant and the line y = x in the third quadrant.

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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
 

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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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