Simplifying Absolute Values: Which Statement Holds True?

Absolute Value Inequalities with Impossible Solutions

Given:

a+51+34<0 |a|+||5-1|+3-4|<0

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

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1

Understand the problem

Given:

a+51+34<0 |a|+||5-1|+3-4|<0

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we start by analyzing the inequality:

  • Simplify the expression inside absolute values:
    51=4=4|5-1| = |4| = 4
    34=1=1|3-4| = |-1| = 1
  • Evaluate the inner expression:
    51+34=4+1=5=5||5-1|+3-4| = |4 + 1| = |5| = 5
  • Substitute back into the full expression:
    a+5<0|a|+5 < 0

According to the properties of absolute values, a|a| is always non-negative, so it can only add to 5 or keep it positive.

Therefore, the only value this expression can assume is non-negative. Hence, it can never be less than zero.

Consequently, the original condition a+5<0|a|+5 < 0 is impossible.

The correct answer is that the inequality has no solution.

No solution

3

Final Answer

No solution

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Absolute values are always non-negative, so |a| ≥ 0
  • Technique: Simplify nested absolute values step-by-step: |4+1| = 5
  • Check: If |a| + positive number < 0, no solution exists ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming the inequality has a solution
    Don't try to solve |a| + 5 < 0 by isolating |a| = impossible negative value! Since absolute values can never be negative, adding 5 makes it even more positive. Always recognize when |a| + positive < 0 means no solution exists.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Given:

\( \left|2x-1\right|>-10 \)

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't absolute values be negative?

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Absolute values represent distance from zero, which is always positive or zero. Think of it as asking 'how far?' - you can't be a negative distance away!

How do I simplify nested absolute values like ||5-1|+3-4|?

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Work from the inside out! First calculate |5-1| = 4, then |4+3-4| = |3| = 3. Take it step by step and don't rush.

What does 'no solution' actually mean?

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It means no value of the variable can make the inequality true. The mathematical statement is impossible, like saying 'find a number where 7 < 0'.

Could I have made a calculation error if I get 'no solution'?

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Always double-check your arithmetic! But if you correctly get a+positive number<0 |a| + \text{positive number} < 0 , then 'no solution' is definitely right.

How is this different from equations that equal zero?

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Equations like |a| + 5 = 0 would give a specific answer (though still impossible here). But inequalities like |a| + 5 < 0 ask for a range of values, which doesn't exist.

What should I write as my final answer?

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Write 'No solution' or use the symbol ∅ (empty set). Don't leave it blank or write 'impossible' - be mathematically precise!

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