Simplifying Absolute Values: Which Statement Holds True?

Question

Given:

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

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

Video Solution

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

Answer

No solution