Problem inspired from thermodynamics

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The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving heat quantities Q3 and Q4, where Q4 is greater than Q3, but the absolute value of Q3 is greater than that of Q4. The user is uncertain how to determine the values of ΔU that satisfy the condition |ΔU - Q4| > |ΔU - Q3|. A suggestion is made to consider Q3 as negative, while Q4 can be either negative or smaller in magnitude. The use of a truth table is recommended to explore the relationships and deduce the range of ΔU. The conversation highlights the complexities of analyzing heat interactions in thermodynamic systems.
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Homework Statement



While studying thermodynamics, I constructed the following problem, which I can't seem to solve.

Suppose that Q_{4} > Q_{3} and |Q_{3}| > |Q_{4}|. Then for what values of ΔU is it necessarily the case that |ΔU-Q_{4}| > |ΔU-Q_{3}|

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I really have no idea what to do; I solved a much simpler textbook style problem and then decided to consider a more general version of the problem, which led me to this. Any ideas? I conjecture that both the Q values are negative, but is this true? How would I prove it?

BiP
 
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Certainly Q3 < 0, but Q4 need only be smaller in magnitude. You could draw up a truth table to see this, and similarly to deduce the range of ΔU.
 
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