Unit: Equations and Inequalities Module: Absolute Value Inequalities [Page 1 of 1]

Solving Absolute Value Inequalities

• Absolute values within inequalities are best discerned using a number line
graph. Sketch one out for each problem so you can visually study the
possibilities.

• If the absolute value is less than the value stated, your absolute value
expression will be greater than the negative value and smaller than the
positive value stated; i.e., |A| < B means -B < A < B. The expression’s
value is inside the boundaries set by the positive and negative value of the
inequality.

• If the absolute value is greater than the value stated, your absolute value
expression will be smaller than the negative value and larger than the
positive value stated; i.e., |A| > B means A < -B or A > B. The
expression’s value is outside the boundaries set by the positive and
negative value of the inequality.

Because the absolute value is greater than or equal to the

stated value of 7, its solutions lie outside the boundaries
set at –7 and +7.

This fact creates the two equations to solve.

Solve the two equations.

Remember to check your answers to be sure they work in

the original equation.

In a “less than” inequality, all the possible solutions for the

absolute value expression |6x + 4| will lie within the
boundaries set at -1 and +1.

This sets up your two equations. Notice that in this

problem you’ve used an alternate notation showing two
relationships within one sentence. This is sometimes used
to save writing. Be sure your thinking stays accurate as
you work towards your solutions.

Remember to check your answers.

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Copyright  2001, Thinkwell Corp. All Rights Reserved. 6527 –rev 04/23/2001

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 Unit: Equations and Inequalities Module: Absolute Value Inequalities [Page 1 of 1]

Solving Absolute Value Inequalities: More Examples

• The best way to work with absolute value inequalities is to think through
what each one means and graph out the range of solutions on a number
line.

• When an equation offers an absolute value expression in relationship with

other terms in addition to the inequality, isolate the absolute value before
setting up your solution possibilities.

• Any absolute value will be positive or equal to zero.

First add +4 to both sides to isolate the

absolute value.

Graphically show what the possibilities are.

In this case, because you are given a “<”
inequality, all possible solutions are between
the boundaries of –14 and +14.
Set up your equation for your two possible
relationships.
Solve your two equations for two answers.

Remember: Check your answers to be sure

they give you true statements when substituted
into the original problem.

This one allows a different procedure. Since

you know |2x – 6| is greater than 0, (2x –6)
must be either greater or less than 0.
For sure, (2x – 6) does NOT equal 0.
If you set up the sentence as shown and solve
it, you get all your solution possibilities quickly.

Here is the same problem worked the way you

have worked the other problems.
(2x – 6) is either greater than 0 or less than 0,
so you set up the two equations.
Solving those equations, you find your set of
solutions.

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Copyright  2001, Thinkwell Corp. All Rights Reserved. 6529 –rev 04/23/2001