Preliminary Mathematics

Absolute Value

1 Introduction
Absolute value can be thought of as a related to a measure of distance.
The absolute vale can be thought of as the distance of a number from zero. Hence, | − 3| = 3 as
−3 is 3 units from the original.

2 Absolute Value Equations

This type of equation will involve at least one set of absolute value signs, but care should be
taken for all types. The biggest mistake student make is to forget that there are two solutions.

2.1 Type I: |ax + b| = c

For this type of equation, you need to consider both the positive and negative solutions.

Example: Solve |x + 3| = 5
Solution: Remember there are two solutions that need to be considered.

|x + 3| = 5
x + 3 = ±5
x = −3 ± 5
x = 2, −8

2.2 Type II: |ax + b| = cx + d

These are special types, in that you need to check your solution. The solutions may or may not
be valid - only checking explicitly will tell.
Example: Solve |x + 3| = 2x − 9
Solution: Remember that there are two solutions, and to check the validity of the
solutions at the end.

|x + 3| = 2x − 9
±(x + 3) = 2x − 9
.&
x + 3 = 2x − 9 − (x + 3) = 2x − 9
3=x−9 − x − 3 = 2x − 9
12 = x 6 = 3x
x = 12 x=2

2011 Brett M. Bujeya

 These now need to be checked for validity. Substitute and see that the left hand side
(LHS) equals the right hand side (RHS).

When x = 12 When x = 2
LHS=—12+3—=15 LHS=—2+3—=5
RHS=24-9=15 RHS=4-9=-5
∴ Valid ∴ Not valid

Hence, the only valid solution is x = 12

2.3 Type III: |ax + b| = |cx + d|

For this type of equation, we have four choices:

ax + b = cx + d
−(ax + b) = cx + d
ax + b = −(cx + d)
−(ax + b) = −(cx + d)

However, there are only two of these that are different.

You only need to evaluate: ax + b = cx + d and ax + b = −(cx + d)

Example: |5x + 2| = |4x − 7|

Solution: Remember, there are only two options to consider.

|5x + 2| = |4x − 7|
.&
5x + 2 = 4x − 7 − (5x + 2) = 4x − 7
x + 2 = −7 − 5x − 2 = 4x − 7
x = −9 − 2 = 9x − 7
5 = 9x
5
x=
9

You should still check your solutions.

2011 Brett M. Bujeya

3 Absolute Value Inequations
Remember, that if the inequality is strict (> or <), then use an open circle ◦
If the inequality is conditional ≥ or ≤, then use a closed circle •
It is important to remember that when working with inequalities, then if you multiply or divide
by a negative number, then you reverse the direction of the inequality.

Example: Solve |2x − 1| > 3, and plot your solution on a number line.
Solution:

−(2x − 1) > 3
2x − 1 > 3 −2x + 1 > 3
2x > 4 −2x > 2
x>2 x < −1

Notice that because we have two disjoint solutions, then this describes two disjoint
(non-overlapping) regions on the number line.

Example: Solve |x + 1| ≤ 5, and plot your solution on a number line.

Solution:

x+1≤5
−5 ≤ x + 1 ≤ 5
−6 ≤ x ≤ 4

Notice that because we have a single region, then we can describe it through a single
statement.

2011 Brett M. Bujeya