Proving the Maximum and Minimum Values of Absolute Value Functions

AI Thread Summary
To prove the maximum and minimum values of absolute value functions, consider different cases based on the values of x and y. For x, when x < -1, the expression simplifies to -3 + 2, which is less than 5. In the range -1 < x, y < 1, the expressions for |x-1| and |y+1| yield different results, and for x, y > 1, both expressions simplify positively. The maximum value of (x-1)/|x-1| is determined to be 3, while the minimum value of 2(y+1)/|y+1| is -2. Understanding these cases is crucial for proving the inequality in question.
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silvashadow said:

well here it is what i would do, consider first the values of x,y<-1 and you will get
I x-1 I= -(x-1) and I y+1 I= -(y+1), in which case you would get -3+2 which is smaller than 5.
then -1<x,y<1, in which case you would get
Ix-1I= -(x-1) and for Iy+1I= y+1, see what happens now when you plug in?
and the other case would be x,y>1
In which case you would ged
Ix-1I=x-1 and Iy+1I=y+1 when you plug in see what u get.

Note; this is not exactly as i am saying but i did it in purporse, this is the idea, but just that you have to do it in a better order, like taking the values of x smaller/greater than sth first, and then those of y, etc

P.s.Show some work of yours first, and then maybe you will get some more help!
 
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What is the maximum value of (x-1) / |x-1| ?
 
Since the OP hasn't shown up yet, i will give him/her some more hints.
Indeed, i will just pick up at what nicksauce suggested, it is shorter and nicer, look teh maximum value of \frac{(x-1)}{ abs{(x-1)}}, well the maximum here is 3.
Now look at the other part what is the minimum value of
2\frac{(y+1)}{abs(y+1)}, obviously it is -2, or you might want to look for the maximum of the:
-2\frac{(y+1)}{abs(y+1)}, which would be 2,
now going back to what you have to prove, why does that inequality hold?
Can you figure it out now, do u understand how it goes?
 
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