MHB How do I rewrite expressions using absolute value?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mathdad
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Absolute
Click For Summary
The absolute value definition states that |x| equals x for non-negative x and -x for negative x. An example provided involves rewriting the expression |1 - sqrt{2}| + 1. Since 1 - sqrt{2} is negative, it is rewritten as -(1 - sqrt{2}) + 1. This simplifies to -1 + sqrt{2} + 1, resulting in sqrt{2}. The final answer is confirmed as correct.
mathdad
Messages
1,280
Reaction score
0
The definition of absolute value states the following:

| x | = x when x is > or = 0

| x | = -x when x < 0

I can use the above definition to rewrite expressions that do not contain absolute values.

| 1 - sqrt{2} | + 1

The value 1 - sqrt{2} is less than 0.

So, we have -(1 - sqrt{2}) + 1.

-1 + sqrt{2} + 1

Answer: sqrt{2}

Correct?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Yes, this is correct.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K