Proving an absolute value inequality

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the absolute value inequality: if \(\left| a \right| \le b\), then \(-b \le a \le b\). Participants clarify the definition of absolute value, distinguishing between cases where \(a \ge 0\) and \(a < 0\). The first case leads to the conclusion that \(a\) must be less than or equal to \(b\), while the second case confirms that \(a\) must be greater than or equal to \(-b\). The need for a clearer logical structure in the proof is emphasized, particularly regarding the conditions under which \(a\) is compared to \(b\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of absolute value definitions in real numbers
  • Basic knowledge of inequalities and their properties
  • Familiarity with logical proof structures
  • Experience with number line representations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of absolute values in real analysis
  • Learn about constructing logical proofs in mathematics
  • Explore examples of inequalities involving absolute values
  • Practice visualizing inequalities on a number line
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, educators teaching real analysis, and anyone interested in understanding the logical foundations of inequalities and absolute values.

cbarker1
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If $\left| a \right| \le b$, then $-b\le a\le b$.
Let $a,b \in\Bbb{R}$ The definition of the absolute value is $ \left| x \right|= x, x\ge 0$ and $\left| x \right|=-x, x< 0$, where x is some real number.

Case I:$a\ge 0$, $\left| a \right|=a>b$

Case II: a<0, $\left| a \right|=-a<b$the solution is $-b<0\le a\le b$

I work on a number line. yet I still have trouble with the proof.
 
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At which point of the proof are you facing difficulties?
 
Well, I, for one, have trouble understanding the proof since I don't follow its logical structure, and not just because $a>b$ should be $a\le b$ in case I. Maybe someone can write a more coherent proof.
 

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