Homework Help: Solve for modulus inequality.

1. Aug 27, 2011

Sumedh

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Solve $$\frac{|x^2-5x+4|}{|x^2-4|}\le1$$

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
as

$$|x^2-4|$$will be positive always

cross multiply and take 1 to other side of equation
solve by taking LCM
we get
$$|x^2-5x+4|-(x^2-4)\le0$$
on solving we get

$$(x^2-5x+4)-(x^2-4)\le0$$ and $$-(x^2-5x+4)-(x^2-4)\le0$$

the other method I know is to square to remove the modulus function
$$(x^2-5x+4)^2-(x^2-4)^2\le0$$

among these which method is correct?
the second method becomes equation of degree 4 i.e.$$x^4....$$

2. Aug 28, 2011

rock.freak667

Actually for x=1, 'x2-4' is negative, but you can use the fact that |a|/|b| = |a/b| iff b≠0.

Just use the fact that |X|<A ⇒ -A<X<A and then just take each inequality separately and take the union of the sets.

3. Aug 28, 2011

ehild

Do not omit the modulus of x^2-4. Your equation has to be: $$|x^2-5x+4|-|x^2-4|\le0$$
The other method (squaring both the numerator and the denominator) is OK.

ehild

4. Aug 28, 2011

Sumedh

Thank you very much i got the answer:)
is it easy to put random values before, between and after the zeros to check the sign
or to make the sign table(attached)??

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5. Aug 28, 2011

HallsofIvy

How did $|x^2- 4|$ suddenly become $x^2- 4$?

6. Aug 29, 2011

Sumedh

as it is in modulus it will be positive for any real value of x

if i am wrong please explain me?