Absolute Value Inequalities

Absolute Value Inequalities

Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

Solving an absolute value inequality problem is similar to solving an absolute value equation.

Start by isolating the absolute value on one side of the inequality symbol, then follow the rules below: If the symbol is > (or >) : (or)
If a > 0, then the solutions to
If a < 0, all real numbers will satisfy .
Think about it: absolute value is always positive (or zero), so, of course, it is greater than any negative number.

are x > a or x < - a.

If the symbol is < (or <) : (and)

If a > 0, then the solutions to

are x < a and x > - a. Also written: - a < x < a.

If a < 0, there is no solution to .

Think about it: absolute value is always positive (or zero), so, of course, it cannot be less than a negative number.

R E M E M B E R:
When working with any absolute value inequality, you must create two cases.
If <, the connecting word is "and". If >, the connecting word is "or".

To set up the two cases:

x<a
Case 1: Write the problem without the absolute value sign, and solve the inequality.

x > -a
Case 2: W rite the problem without the absolute value sign, reverse the inequality, negate the value NOT under the absolute value, and solve the inequality.

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Absolute Value Inequalities

Your graphing calculator can be used to solve absolute value inequalities and/or double check your answers.

How to use your TI-83+ graphing calculator with absolute value inequalities. Click calculator.

Example 1: (solving with "greater than") Solve:

Case 1: Case 2:

or

Note that there are two parts to the solution and that the connecting word is "or".

x < 15 or x > 25

Example 2: (solving with "less than or equal to") Solve:

Case 1: Case 2:

and
also written as:

Note that there are two parts to the solution and that the connecting word is "and".

Example 3: (isolating the absolute value first) Solve:

Case 1: Case 2:

and

Note that the absolute value is isolated before the solution begins.

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Absolute Value Inequalities

also written as:

Example 4: (compound inequalities) Solve:

Case 1: Case 2:

Separate a compound inequality into two separate problems.

Case 1:

Case 2:

or

and

x > 4 or x < -6

-8 < x < 6

Now, where do the solutions overlap???

-8 < x < -6 as well as 4 < x < 6

Example 5: (all values work) Solve:

Case 1: Case 2: You already know the answer! Absolute value is ALWAYS positive (or zero), so it is always > -3. All values work!

or x > -7 or x < -1 Answer:

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Absolute Value Inequalities

Example 6: (no values work) Solve:

Case 1: Case 2: You already know the answer! Absolute value is ALWAYS positive (or zero). It is NEVER < -6. No values work!

and

x < -7 and x > 5 ??? Answer:

(the empty set)

Example 7: (word problem)

At the Brooks Graphic Company, the average starting The absolute value salary for a new graphic designer is $37,600, but the actual salary could differ from the average by as much represents the set of all points x $2590. that are less than b units away a.) Write an absolute value inequality from a. to describe this situation. b.)
Case 1:

b.) Solve the inequality to find the range of the starting salaries. and
Case 2: Solution: a.) |the difference between the average and the salary| < $2590

$35,010 < x < $40,190

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Absolute Value Inequalities

Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center Created by Donna Roberts Copyright 1998-2011 http://regentsprep.org Oswego City School District Regents Exam Prep Center

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