Proving -|x|</x</|x| Homework Statement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality -|x| ≤ x ≤ |x|, where x is a real number. Participants are exploring the properties of absolute values and their implications in the context of inequalities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to break down the inequality into cases based on the definition of absolute value. There are questions about the validity of steps taken and whether similar reasoning applies to related inequalities.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the proof process, discussing the implications of the absolute value definition. However, there is still uncertainty about the next steps and whether the reasoning is correctly applied across different cases.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of absolute value properties and the structure of the proof. Some participants have pointed out potential typos in the reasoning presented.

chocolatelover
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Homework Statement


Prove -|x|</x</|x|


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



We are trying to prove -|x|</x</|x| (less than or equal to)

This means that we need to show that x>/ -|x| and x</ |x|.

Let x be a real number.

Assume |x|=x if x>0 and -x if x<0

I'm not sure were to go from here, as I cannot use actual values to prove it. Could someone please show me what to do?

Thank you very much
 
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Case 1:
[tex]-|x| \leq x[/tex]

[tex]-x \leq -x \leq x[/tex]

So it's obvious that case 1 holds..

Can you see where to go form there?
 
Thank you very much

Could you please explain to me how you got that? Would I do the same thing for |x|?

Thank you
 
It's just basic a absolute value identity, and yes you would^^
 
Thank you

After I do that, would that complete the proof?

|x|>x

x>x or -x>x

In order to prove that |x|</a if and only if -a</x</a where a>/0, would I do the same thing as in the previous problem?

Thank you
 
Last edited:
The simple way to do it is to use the definition: |x|= x if [itex]x\ge 0[/itex], -x is x< 0.

If x[itex]\ge[/itex] 0, then [itex]-|x|\le x\le |x|[/itex] becomes [itex]-x\le x\le x[/itex]. Isn't that obvious?

If x> 0, then [itex]-|x|\le x\le |x|[/itex] becomes [tex]x\le x\le -x[/itex]. Isn't that obvious?[/tex]
 
Thank you very much

In order to prove that |x|</a if and only if -a</x</a where a>/0, would I do the same thing as in the previous problem?

Thank you
 
HallsofIvy said:
Th

If x> 0, then [itex]-|x|\le x\le |x|[/itex] becomes [tex]x\le x\le -x[/itex]. Isn't that obvious?[/tex]
[tex] <br /> there is a typo here, it should read i guess x<0. I just wanted to point it out.[/tex]
 
Thank you very much

Regards
 

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