Solve the Absolute Value Inequality: |x + 3| ≤ 5

Absolute Value Inequalities with Linear Expressions

Find the absolute value inequality representation for:

x+35 |x + 3| \leq 5

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Find the absolute value inequality representation for:

x+35 |x + 3| \leq 5

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the inequality x+35 |x + 3| \leq 5 , we first consider the definition of absolute value inequality AB |A| \leq B , which is equivalent to BAB -B \leq A \leq B .

Applying this definition, we have:

5x+35 -5 \leq x + 3 \leq 5

Next, we isolate x by subtracting 3 from all parts of the inequality:

53x+3353 -5 - 3 \leq x + 3 - 3 \leq 5 - 3

This simplifies to:

8x2 -8 \leq x \leq 2

3

Final Answer

8x2 -8 \leq x \leq 2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: AB |A| \leq B becomes BAB -B \leq A \leq B
  • Technique: Apply definition: 5x+35 -5 \leq x + 3 \leq 5 , then subtract 3
  • Check: Test boundary values: (8)+3=5=55 |(-8) + 3| = |-5| = 5 \leq 5

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to apply the definition to both sides
    Don't solve x+35 |x + 3| \leq 5 as just x+35 x + 3 \leq 5 = x2 x \leq 2 ! This ignores the negative case and gives only half the solution. Always write the compound inequality 5x+35 -5 \leq x + 3 \leq 5 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 does x+35 |x + 3| \leq 5 become a compound inequality?

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Because absolute value measures distance from zero! When A5 |A| \leq 5 , it means A is within 5 units of zero, so A can be anywhere from -5 to 5.

How do I remember which direction the inequality signs go?

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Think of it as "sandwiching" the expression! AB |A| \leq B means A is trapped between -B and B: BAB -B \leq A \leq B .

What if I get x+35 |x + 3| \geq 5 instead?

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Then you'd have two separate inequalities: x+35 x + 3 \leq -5 OR x+35 x + 3 \geq 5 . The solution would be two rays, not an interval!

How can I check my answer 8x2 -8 \leq x \leq 2 ?

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Test the boundary values and a middle value! Try x=8 x = -8 : 8+3=55 |-8 + 3| = 5 \leq 5 ✓. Try x=0 x = 0 : 0+3=35 |0 + 3| = 3 \leq 5 ✓.

What does the solution interval 8x2 -8 \leq x \leq 2 look like on a number line?

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It's a closed interval from -8 to 2, including both endpoints. Draw a solid line segment with filled circles at -8 and 2!

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