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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving inequalities involving absolute values, specifically |3x-2| <= x+1 and |2-3x| < 3x-4. For the first inequality, two cases are analyzed: when 3x-2 is non-negative and when it is negative, leading to solutions of x in the intervals [1/4, 2/3) and [2/3, 3/2]. The second inequality is approached similarly, with participants emphasizing the importance of applying the definition of absolute value correctly. The final consensus for the first problem is that the solution set is x in [1/4, 3/2]. The discussion highlights the necessity of defining cases based on the sign of the expression within the absolute value for accurate solutions.
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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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