Solve the Absolute Value Inequality: |x+4| > 13

Absolute Value Inequalities with OR Logic

Given:

x+4>13 \left|x+4\right|>13

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

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1

Understand the problem

Given:

x+4>13 \left|x+4\right|>13

Which of the following statements is necessarily true?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the inequality x+4>13 \left|x + 4\right| > 13 , we use the property of absolute values, which says that for a>b \left|a\right| > b , it implies a>b a > b or a<b a < -b .

Applying this to our problem, we have:

  • x+4>13 x + 4 > 13 or x+4<13 x + 4 < -13 .

Now, let's solve each inequality separately:

First inequality: x+4>13 x + 4 > 13

Subtract 4 from both sides to isolate x x :

x>134 x > 13 - 4

x>9 x > 9

Second inequality: x+4<13 x + 4 < -13

Subtract 4 from both sides to isolate x x :

x<134 x < -13 - 4

x<17 x < -17

Therefore, the solution to the inequality x+4>13 \left|x + 4\right| > 13 is x>9 x > 9 or x<17 x < -17 .

The correct answer choice is:

  • x>9 x > 9 or x<17 x < -17 .
3

Final Answer

x>9 x>9 or x<17 x<-17

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: For |a| > b, split into: a > b OR a < -b
  • Technique: From x + 4 > 13, subtract 4: x > 9
  • Check: Test x = 10: |10+4| = 14 > 13 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using AND instead of OR when combining solutions
    Don't write x > 9 AND x < -17 = impossible solution! No number can be both greater than 9 and less than -17 at the same time. Always use OR for absolute value inequalities with > or ≥.

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 do we use OR instead of AND for the solution?

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Think of it this way: the absolute value x+4 |x+4| represents distance. We need values where this distance is greater than 13. This happens when either x is far to the right (x > 9) or far to the left (x < -17).

How do I remember when to flip the inequality sign?

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The inequality sign only flips when you multiply or divide by a negative number. In this problem, we're just adding/subtracting, so the signs stay the same!

What's the difference between |x+4| > 13 and |x+4| < 13?

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Great question! x+4>13 |x+4| > 13 gives you values outside the interval (uses OR), while x+4<13 |x+4| < 13 gives values inside the interval (uses AND).

Can I solve this by graphing instead?

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Absolutely! Graph y=x+4 y = |x+4| and the horizontal line y=13 y = 13 . The solution is where the V-shaped graph is above the horizontal line.

How do I check if x = -20 works?

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Substitute: 20+4=16=16 |-20+4| = |-16| = 16 . Since 16 > 13, yes it works! Any value less than -17 will satisfy the inequality.

What if the absolute value equals exactly 13?

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If x+4=13 |x+4| = 13 , then x = 9 or x = -17. But our inequality uses > (not ≥), so these boundary values are not included in the solution.

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