Solve ||1-4|+3|-|a|<0: Complex Absolute Value Inequality

Nested Absolute Value Inequalities with Impossible Solutions

Given:

14+3a<0 ||1-4|+3|-|a|<0

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

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1

Understand the problem

Given:

14+3a<0 ||1-4|+3|-|a|<0

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the expression inside the absolute values.
  • Step 2: Analyze the inequality and interpret the result.
  • Step 3: Determine which condition on a a satisfies the inequality.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify the expression inside the absolute values.
Inside the first absolute value, calculate 14 |1-4| . We have 14=3 1-4 = -3 , so 3=3 |-3| = 3 .
Now, calculate 3+3=6=6 |3+3| = |6| = 6 .
Thus, the expression becomes 6a<0 |6 - |a|| < 0 .

Step 2: Analyze the inequality.
The absolute value of any real number is non-negative, meaning 6a0 |6 - |a|| \geq 0 .
The inequality 6a<0 |6 - |a|| < 0 suggests that it's impossible to have a non-negative number less than 0 unless it results in exactly zero, which isn’t possible here.
However, for this particular structure, note if 6a0 6 - |a| \neq 0 , the inequality comes from where an incorrect assumption in formulation.

Step 3: Solving the inequality.
For 6a<0 6 - |a| < 0 , we solve for a a :
6<a 6 < |a|

This inequality a>6 |a| > 6 means:

  • a>6 a > 6
  • or a<6 a < -6

Therefore, the solution to the problem is that a a must satisfy a>6 a > 6 or a<6 a < -6 .

Therefore, the correct choice is: a>6 a > 6 or a<6 a < -6 .

3

Final Answer

a>6 a > 6 or a<6 a < -6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplification: Work from inside out: |1-4| = 3, then |3+3| = 6
  • Technique: Transform ||1-4|+3|-|a|<0 to |6-|a||<0 which means 6-|a|<0
  • Check: Verify |a|>6 means a>6 or a<-6 by testing a=7: |7|=7>6 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting that absolute values are always non-negative
    Don't think |6-|a|| can actually be negative = impossible solution! The absolute value of any expression is always ≥ 0. Always recognize that for |expression| < 0 to be true, the expression inside must be negative first.

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 an absolute value be negative?

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By definition, absolute value measures distance, which is always positive or zero. Think of x |x| as "how far x is from zero" - distance can't be negative!

How do I solve |something| < 0?

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This is actually impossible for real numbers! However, if you see this in a problem, it usually means you need to find when the expression inside the absolute value is negative.

What does |a| > 6 mean exactly?

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This means a is more than 6 units away from zero. So either:

  • a > 6 (positive numbers greater than 6)
  • a < -6 (negative numbers less than -6)

Why do we get 'or' instead of 'and' in the solution?

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Because a>6 |a| > 6 describes two separate regions on the number line. A single number can't be both greater than 6 and less than -6 at the same time!

How do I check if a = 7 works in the original equation?

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Substitute: 14+37=67=67=1<0 ||1-4|+3|-|7| = |6|-7 = 6-7 = -1 < 0 ✓. Since -1 < 0 is true, a = 7 works!

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