Solve |3x-7|-|x-8| > 4 (solve algebraically)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Plutonium88
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the inequality |3x-7| - |x-8| > 4 algebraically. Participants break down the problem into intervals based on critical points, specifically x < 7/3, 7/3 < x < 8, and x ≥ 8. The final solution is expressed in interval notation as x ∈ (-∞, -5/2) ∪ (19/4, +∞). Clarifications were made regarding the importance of considering the restrictions within each interval to arrive at the correct solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of absolute value inequalities
  • Knowledge of interval notation
  • Ability to solve linear inequalities
  • Familiarity with number line representations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of absolute value functions
  • Learn how to graph inequalities on a number line
  • Explore advanced techniques for solving compound inequalities
  • Practice writing solutions in interval notation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, educators teaching inequality concepts, and anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in mathematics.

Plutonium88
Messages
173
Reaction score
0
So I broke it into a number line and calculated when

|3x-7|
(3x-7) x>orequAl 7/3
-(3x-7) x < 7/3 (strict)

|x-8|
-(x-8) x<8
(x-8) x>orequal 8


So for x<7/3

-(3x-7) - [-(x-8)] > 4

Simplified to x < -5/2

For the interval 7/3<x<8
(3x-7)-[-(x-8)]
x>19/4

This is part of solution be ause it lies within the interval 7/3<x<8

Now for x>8

(3x-7)-(x-8)
X<3/2

Now I'm not sure how to address this but I want to say this is not part of the solution cause it doesn't lie within the interval x>8



And also in terms of writing my Ana after in interval notation how can I do this with the info attained. Do I just plot my newly found restrictions on the number line?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
you got the first 2 intervals correct, but the last one (for x>8), you didn't quite get right. Once you've got the right answer for the 3rd part, then yes you can draw it out, or just think about what each of the restrictions means, so then you can say what is the final result of all the restrictions.
 
Plutonium88 said:
So I broke it into a number line and calculated when

|3x-7|
(3x-7) x ≥ 7/3
-(3x-7) x < 7/3 (strict)

|x-8|
-(x-8) x<8
(x-8) x ≥ 8

So for x<7/3

-(3x-7) - [-(x-8)] > 4

Simplified to x < -5/2

For the interval 7/3<x<8
(3x-7)-[-(x-8)]
x>19/4

This is part of solution be cause it lies within the interval 7/3<x<8

Now for x>8

(3x-7)-(x-8)
X<3/2
This is not correct. You're still solving|3x-7|-|x-8| > 4, is that right?

So in the region, x≥8, you have (3x-7)-(x-8) > 4.

What does that lead to?
Now I'm not sure how to address this but I want to say this is not part of the solution cause it doesn't lie within the interval x>8 .

And also in terms of writing my Ana after in interval notation how can I do this with the info attained. Do I just plot my newly found restrictions on the number line?
 
BruceW said:
you got the first 2 intervals correct, but the last one (for x>8), you didn't quite get right. Once you've got the right answer for the 3rd part, then yes you can draw it out, or just think about what each of the restrictions means, so then you can say what is the final result of all the restrictions.

Ahh my bad, i believe i wrote the symbol wrong

x > 3/2

But this still isn't part of the interval x≥8?

I just don't know how to consider it

cause 1.5 does not lie in the interval x≥8 (is this correct)**?
(I just don't know how to consider these intervals, with the restrictions attained) - Like for ex: does the restriction have to lie within that interval for it to be part of solution?

So if i look at what i have

X< -5/2

x> 19/4

XE(-∞, -5/2) U (19/4, +∞)


I'm just curious originally with my intervals that I'm taking like x≤7/3, 7/3≤x≤8, x≥8

why don't i consider these on the number line?
 
Plutonium88 said:
x > 3/2

But this still isn't part of the interval x≥8?

I just don't know how to consider it

cause 1.5 does not lie in the interval x≥8 (is this correct)**?
(I just don't know how to consider these intervals, with the restrictions attained) - Like for ex: does the restriction have to lie within that interval for it to be part of solution?

Think about what it means, you tell it that x>8, then it tells you x>3/2. There is no problem here. Just think, does x>3/2 change the restriction of x>8?

Plutonium88 said:
So if i look at what i have

X< -5/2

x> 19/4

XE(-∞, -5/2) U (19/4, +∞)


I'm just curious originally with my intervals that I'm taking like x≤7/3, 7/3≤x≤8, x≥8

why don't i consider these on the number line?
I think you've got the right answer. What does XE mean? And I'm not sure what you mean about considering the original intervals on the number line.. You could look at each of the intervals and write down the restrictions from each, but then your final answer takes them all into account, so its nicer to look at.
 
BruceW said:
Think about what it means, you tell it that x>8, then it tells you x>3/2. There is no problem here. Just think, does x>3/2 change the restriction of x>8?


I think you've got the right answer. What does XE mean? And I'm not sure what you mean about considering the original intervals on the number line.. You could look at each of the intervals and write down the restrictions from each, but then your final answer takes them all into account, so its nicer to look at.


http://s15.postimage.org/g98nz5i2j/line_bmp.png

XE =, or X Belongs To The Interval, i just don't have the special E/ Couldnt find it in my charmap.


So from my number line the intervals that i have, are the same as the answer i stated, above.

And what you`re saying is, that in terms of the restrictions i`ve solved, i only have to take those 3 into account, in order to find the answer (19/4, -5/2 3/2)

and if that's the right answer, it would seem that this is the case


And also, thank you very much for your help. I Really appreciate what you do, learning would be much more difficult without the help of this forum. d:)
 
Oh I get it, like:
X \in ( - \infty , - \frac{5}{2} ) \cup ( \frac{19}{4} , \infty )
The magic of latex! And yeah, that looks like the right answer to me, since you used the information from each of the 3 important regions to get this answer. I'm glad I've been some help, you had done most of the question in your first post!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K