Solving inequality with absolute values |3x-2|<=x+1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving inequalities involving absolute values, specifically the inequality |3x-2| <= x+1. Participants explore different cases based on the definition of absolute values and how to apply them correctly in various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of considering different cases for the absolute value, with some attempting to define cases based on the sign of the expression inside the absolute value. Questions arise about the application of the absolute value definition and whether both positive and negative cases need to be addressed separately.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various interpretations and approaches to the problem. Some have offered guidance on how to apply the absolute value definition, while others express uncertainty about the necessity of separating cases. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they have not learned certain distinctions in their lessons, which may affect their understanding of how to approach the problem. There is also mention of previous experiences with more complex inequalities involving multiple absolute values.

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1) │3x-2│<= x+1 ; x>=-1
Case1: 3x-2>=0
x>= 2/3
3x-2<=x+1
x<=3/2

what is case 2?

2) │2-3x│ < 3x-4

3) │x-3│=x-2
How do u solve these?
 
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Apply the definition of the absolute value correctly.
Case 1.3x-2>=0 (therefore x>=2/3) -------->3x-2<=x+1------------>x<=3/2.The solution:x\in [\frac{2}{3},\frac{3}{2}]

Case 2.3x-2<0 (therefore x<2/3)---------->-(3x-2)<=x+1------------>x>=1/4.The solution is:x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{2}{3})

The solution of the problem is found by reuniting the partial solutions
x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{2}{3}]

Do the same for the other 2...

Daniel.
 
Last edited:
how do u know case 2 would be -(3x-2)<=x+1 with a negative sign?
 
Because that's the definition of the absolute value
|x|=x,for x>=0 and -x for x<0...

Daniel.
 
hm...can u do one more for me?
 
Nope.What is the result of applying the definition of an absolute value to point b)...?

Daniel.
 
What point b?
 
hm...ok...let me try
case 1: 2-3x>=0
x<=2/3
 
  • #10
dextercioby said:
Apply the definition of the absolute value correctly.
Case 1.3x-2>=0 (therefore x>=2/3) -------->3x-2<=x+1------------>x<=3/2.The solution:x\in [\frac{2}{3},\frac{3}{2}]

Case 2.3x-2<0 (therefore x<2/3)---------->-(3x-2)<=x+1------------>x>=1/4.The solution is:x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{3}{2})

I believe the above should be:
x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{2}{3})

And the final solution, union:
x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{3}{2}]
 
  • #11
I don't think you need to consider the value inside the || separately for positive and negative. (Unless your teacher wants you to do it that way to fully understand the steps.)

For the first question, I'd just say:
│3x-2│<= x+1 so
-(x+1)<=3x-2<=x+1
or in other words
-(x+1)<=3x-2 AND 3x-2<=x+1
The first inequality gives x>=1/4, the second gives x<=3/2

The solution is the intersection of x>=1/4 and x<=3/2, so the solution is:
1/4<=x<=3/2

Although it is instructive to consider separately the positive and negative values inside ||, it isn't necessary to solve the inequality.
 
  • #12
Do you mean consider the value of x is bigger or equal to 2/3 first? or Less than or equal ?
In the past, I have tried inequalities that with several absolute sign inside. It is extremely important to define the value first.
However, I haven't learned this in my lessons. Maybe later. Therefore, I don't know whether in this question this distinction is needed.
 
  • #13
I don't see why it is necessary...

if |a|<b, then

we know that a<b and a>-b

This is true whether or not a is positive or negative or 0.

If |a|>b, then

we know that a>b or a<-b. This statement is also true whether or not a is positive or negative or zero.
 
  • #14
learningphysics said:
I believe the above should be:
x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{2}{3})

And the final solution, union:
x\in [\frac{1}{4},\frac{3}{2}]

Yes,thank you for noticing.I edited my post and now it's "dandy"... :wink:

Daniel.
 
  • #15
Yes. It is not necessary for this case.
 

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