Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you will be
able to:
7.1 Solve absolute value
equations
7.2 Solve absolute value
inequalities with “less than”
7.3 Solve absolute value LESSON 7
inequalities with “greater
than”
7.4 Solve applications with
absolute value.
Sometimes we just need to use positive values, and the absolute value is a
useful technique for this. If you see an absolute value in a problem or equation, it
signifies that everything inside it is always positive. Absolute values are frequently
utilized in distance problems and are occasionally used with inequalities. We'll talk
about graphs of absolute value equations and inequalities later on.
Absolute value inequalities are a sort of problem that appears difficult at
first but is quite easy to answer once you have the appropriate information. Examine
the definitions of absolute value and absolute value inequality, as well as an
example of how to build up and solve issues of this nature.
What can be the value of the expression inside the absolute value
symbols and how can we use them in our real-life situations?
Solve Absolute Value Equations
As we prepare to solve absolute value equations, we review our definition of absolute
value.
ABSOLUTE VALUE
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line.
The absolute value of a number 𝑛 is written as |𝑛| and |𝑛| ≥ 0 for all numbers.
Absolute values are always greater than or equal to zero.
We learned that both a number and its opposite are the same distance from zero on
the number line. Since they have the same distance from zero, they have the same
absolute value. For example:
−4 is 4 units away from 0, so | − 4| = 4.
4 is 4 units away from 0, so |4| = 4.
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
For the equation |𝑥| = 4, we are looking for all numbers that make this a true statement. We are looking
for the numbers whose distance from zero is 4. We just saw that both 4 and −4 are four units from zero
on the number line. They are the solutions to the equation.
If |𝑥| = 4
then 𝑥 = −4 or 𝑥=4
The solution can be simplified to a single statement by writing 𝑥 = ±4.. This is read, “x is equal to
positive or negative 4”.
We can generalize this to the following property for absolute value equations.
ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS
For any algebraic expression, 𝑢, and any positive real number, 𝑎,
if |𝑢| = 𝑎
then 𝑥 = 𝑢 = −𝑎 or 𝑢 = 𝑎
Remember that an absolute value cannot be a negative number.
Example: Solve.
1. |𝑥 | = 8
2. |𝑦| = −6
3. |𝑧| = 0
Solution:
1. |𝑥 | = 8
𝑥 = −8 or 𝑥=8
𝑥 = ±8
2. |𝑦| = −6
Since an absolute value is always positive, there are no solutions to this equation.
3. |𝑧| = 0
𝑧=0
To solve an absolute value equation, we first isolate the absolute value expression using the same
procedures we used to solve linear equations. Once we isolate the absolute value expression, we rewrite
it as the two equivalent equations.
Example:
1. |5𝑥 − 4| − 3 = 8
Step 1: Isolate the absolute Add +3 both sides |5𝑥 − 4| − 3 = 8
value equation |5𝑥 − 4| − 3 + 3 = 8 + 3
|5𝑥 − 4| = 11
Step 2: Write the equivalent 5𝑥 − 4 = −11
equation or
5𝑥 − 4 = 11
Add + 4 to each sides 5𝑥 − 4 = −11
5𝑥 − 4 + 4 = −11 + 4
Step 3: Solve each equation 5𝑥 = −7
Divide by +5 7
𝑥=−
5
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
Add + 4 to each sides 5𝑥 − 4 = 11
5𝑥 − 4 + 4 = 11 + 4
5𝑥 = 15
Divide by +5 𝑥=3
7 |5𝑥 − 4| − 3 = 8
Substitute − into the original
5 7
equation |5 (− ) − 4| − 3 = 8
5
|−7 − 4| − 3 = 8
|−11| − 3 = 8
11 − 3 = 8
Step 4: Check each solutions 8=8
Substitute 3 into the original |5𝑥 − 4| − 3 = 8
equation |5(3) − 4| − 3 = 8
|15 − 4| − 3 = 8
|11| − 3 = 8
11 − 3 = 8
8=8
2. 2|𝑥 − 7| + 5 = 9
Step 1: Isolate the absolute Add −5 both sides 2|𝑥 − 7| + 5 = 9
value equation 2|𝑥 − 7| + 5 − 5 = 9 − 5
2|𝑥 − 7| = 4
Divide both sides by +2 2|𝑥 − 7| 4
=
2 2
|𝑥 − 7| = 2
Step 2: Write the equivalent 𝑥 − 7 = −2
equation or
𝑥−7=2
Add +7 to each sides 𝑥 − 7 + 7 = −2 + 7
𝑥=5
Step 3: Solve each equation
Add +7 to each sides 𝑥−7+7= 2+7
𝑥=9
Substitute 5 into the original 2|𝑥 − 7| + 5 = 9
equation 2|5 − 7| + 5 = 9
2|−2| + 5 = 9
2(2) + 5 = 9
4+5 = 9
9=9
Step 4: Check each solutions
Substitute 9 into the original 2|𝑥 − 7| + 5 = 9
equation 2|9 − 7| + 5 = 9
2|2| + 5 = 9
2(2) + 5 = 9
4+5 = 9
9=9
Some of our absolute value equations could be of the form |𝑢| = |𝑣| where 𝑢 and 𝑣 are algebraic
expressions. For example, |𝑥 − 3| = |2𝑥 + 1|.
How would we solve them? If two algebraic expressions are equal in absolute value, then they are either
equal to each other or negatives of each other. The property for absolute value equations says that for
any algebraic expression, 𝑢, and a positive real number, 𝑎, if |𝑢| = 𝑎, then 𝑢 = −𝑎 or 𝑢 = 𝑎.
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
EQUATIONS WITH TWO ABSOLUTE VALUES
For any algebraic expressions, 𝑢 and 𝑣,
If |𝑢| = |𝑣|
then 𝑢 = −𝑣 or 𝑢=𝑣
When we take the opposite of a quantity, we must be careful with the signs and to add parentheses
where needed.
Example:
1. |5𝑥 − 1| = |2𝑥 + 3|
Step 1: Write the equivalent 5𝑥 − 1 = −(2𝑥 + 3)
equations. or
5𝑥 − 1 = 2𝑥 + 3
Isolate the variable terms to the 5𝑥 − 1 = −(2𝑥 + 3)
constant terms 5𝑥 − 1 = −2𝑥 − 3
5𝑥 − 1 + 1 = −2𝑥 − 3+1
5𝑥 = −2𝑥 − 2
5𝑥 + 2𝑥 = −2
Divide both sides by 7 7𝑥 = −2
2
𝑥=−
7
Step 2: Solve each equations. Isolate the variable terms to the 5𝑥 − 1 = 2𝑥 + 3
constant terms 5𝑥 − 1 + 1 = 2𝑥 + 3+1
5𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 4
5𝑥 − 2𝑥 = +4
3𝑥 = +4
Divide both sides by 3 3𝑥 4
=
3 3
4
𝑥=
3
Step 3: Check each solutions 2
Substitute − into the original 2 2
7 |5 (− ) − 1| = |2 (− ) + 3|
equation 7 7
10 4
|− − 1| = |− + 3|
7 7
−10 − 7 −4 + 21
| |=| |
7 7
−17 17
Get the absolute value of both | |=| |
sides 7 7
17 17
=
7 7
4
Substitute into the original 4 4
3 |5 ( ) − 1| = |2 ( ) + 3|
equation 3 3
20 8
| − 1| = | + 3|
3 3
20 − 3 8+9
| |=| |
3 3
17 17
Get the absolute value of both | |=| |
sides 3 3
17 17
=
3 3
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
Solve Absolute Value Inequalities with “Less Than”.
Let’s look now at what happens when we have an absolute value inequality. Everything we’ve learned
about solving inequalities still holds, but we must consider how the absolute value impacts our work.
Again, we will look at our definition of absolute value. The absolute value of a number is its distance
from zero on the number line. For the equation |𝑥| = 4, we saw that both 4 and −4 are four units
from zero on the number line. They are the solutions to the equation.
|𝑥| = 4
𝑥 = −4 or 𝑥=4
What about the inequality |𝑥| ≤ 4? Where are the numbers whose distance is less than or equal to 4?
We know −4 and 4 are both four units from zero. All the numbers between −4 and 4 are less than
four units from zero.
if |𝑥 | ≤ 4
then −4 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4
ABSOLUTE INEQUALITIES WITH < and ≤
For any algebraic expression, u, and any positive real number, a,
if |𝑢| < 𝑎, then−𝑎 < 𝑢 < 𝑎
if |𝑢| ≤ 𝑎, then−𝑎 ≤ 𝑢 ≤ 𝑎
After solving an inequality, it is often helpful to check some points to see if the solution makes sense.
The graph of the solution divides the number line into three sections. Choose a value in each section
and substitute it in the original inequality to see if it makes the inequality true or not. While this is not
a complete check, it often helps verify the solution.
Example:
1. Solve |𝑥| < 8. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
Solutions:
|𝑥| < 8
Step 1: Write the equivalent −8 < 𝑥 < 8
inequality
Step 2: Graph the solution
Step 3: Write the solution using
(−8, 8)
interval notation
2. Solve |5𝑥 − 6| ≤ 4. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
|5𝑥 − 6| ≤ 4
Step 1: Write the equivalent −4 ≤ 5𝑥 − 6 ≤ 4
inequality. Then simplify. −4 + 6 ≤ 5𝑥 − 6 + 6 ≤ 4 + 6
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
2 ≤ 5𝑥 ≤ 10
2 5𝑥 10
≤ ≤
5 5 5
2
≤𝑥≤2
5
Step 2: Graph the solution.
Step 3: Write the solution using 2
interval notation [ , 2]
5
3. Solve|3𝑥 − 7| − 3 ≤ 1. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
|3𝑥 − 7| − 3 < 1
Step 1: Write the equivalent |3𝑥 − 7| − 3 < 1
inequality. Then simplify |3𝑥 − 7| − 3 + 3 < 1 + 3
|3𝑥 − 7| < 4
−4 < 3𝑥 − 7 < 4
−4 + 7 < 3𝑥 − 7 + 7 < 4 + 7
3 < 3𝑥 < 11
3 3𝑥 11
< <
3 3 3
11
1<𝑥<
3
Step 2: Graph the solution.
Step 3: Write the solution using 11
interval notation (1, )
3
Solve Absolute Value Inequalities with “Greater Than”
What happens for absolute value inequalities that have “greater than”? Again we will look at our
definition of absolute value. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number
line.
Now we want to look at the inequality |𝑥| ≥ 4. Where are the numbers whose distance from zero is
greater than or equal to four?
Again both −4 and 4 are four units from zero and so are included in the solution. Numbers whose
distance from zero is greater than four units would be less than −4 and greater than 4 on the number
line.
if |𝑥 | ≥ 4
then −4 ≥ 𝑥 ≥ 4
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
ABSOLUTE INEQUALITIES WITH > and ≥
For any algebraic expression, u, and any positive real number, a,
if |𝑢| > 𝑎, then 𝑢 < −𝑎 or 𝑢 > 𝑎
if |𝑢| ≥ 𝑎, then 𝑢 ≤ −𝑎 or 𝑢 ≥ 𝑎
Example:
1. Solve |𝑥| > 8. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
Solutions:
|𝑥| > 8
Step 1: Write the equivalent 𝑥 < −8 or 𝑥 > 8
inequality
Step 2: Graph the solution
Step 3: Write the solution (−∞, −8) ∪ (8, ∞)
using interval notation
2. Solve |2𝑥 − 3| ≥ 5. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
|2𝑥 − 3| ≥ 5.
Step 1: Write the equivalent 2𝑥 − 3 ≤ −5 or 2𝑥 − 3 ≥ 5
inequality. Then simplify. 2𝑥 − 3 ≤ −5
2𝑥 − 3 + 3 ≤ −5 + 3
2𝑥 ≤ −2
2𝑥 2
≤−
𝑥 2
𝑥 ≤ −1
2𝑥 − 3 ≥ 5
2𝑥 − 3 + 3 ≥ 5 + 3
2𝑥 ≥ 8
2𝑥 8
≥
𝑥 2
𝑥≥4
Step 2: Graph the solution
Step 3: Write the solution (−∞, −1] ∪ [4, ∞)
using interval notation
3. Solve 5|𝑥 | + 6 ≥ 1. Graph the solution and write the solution in interval notation.
5|𝑥 | − 6 ≥ −1
5|𝑥 | − 6 + 6 ≥ −1 + 6
5|𝑥 | ≥ 5
5|𝑥| 5
≥
5 5
|𝑥 | ≥ 1
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
Step 1: Write the equivalent 𝑥 ≤ −1 or 𝑥 ≥ 1
inequality
Step 2: Graph the solution
Step 3: Write the solution (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞)
using interval notation
Solve Applications with Absolute Value
Absolute value inequalities are often used in the manufacturing process. An item must be made with
near ideal specifications. Usually there is a certain tolerance of the difference from the specifications
that is allowed. If the difference from the specifications exceeds the tolerance, the item is rejected.
|𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 − 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍| ≤ 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
Example:
1. You are stacking your motivational books on a shelf that has a height of 86 centimeters. Each
motivational book has a thickness of 7 centimeters. Write and solve an equality to find the
possible numbers of books that can be stacked.
Given: x - number of books; 86 – height of the shelf; 7- thickness of books
Inequality: 7𝑥 ≤ 86
Solutions:
7𝑥 ≤ −86 7𝑥 ≤ 86
7𝑥 −86 7𝑥 86
≤ ≤
7 7 7 7
𝑥 ≤ −12.3 𝑥 ≤ 12.3
You can stack up to 𝟏𝟐 books (you cannot use −𝟏𝟐 books, books can never be negative)
2. The “normal” human body temperature is 98.6℉. A temperature𝑥 that differs from normal by
at least 2℉ is considered unhealthy. What inequality could represent to determine if the
temperature is unhealthy? What temperatures are unhealthy?
Given: 𝑥 – variable; 98.6℉.- ideal temperature; 2℉ - tolerance
Inequality: |𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 − 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙| ≥ 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
|𝑥 − 98.6| ≥ 2
Solutions:
𝑥 − 98.6 ≤ −2 𝑥 − 98.6 ≥ +2
𝑥 − 98.6 + 98.6 ≤ −2 + 98.6 𝑥 − 98.6 + 98.6 ≥ +2 + 98.6
𝑥 ≤ 96.6 𝑥 ≥ 100.6
The temperatures which are less than or equal 𝟗𝟔. 𝟔℉ and greater than or equal
𝟏𝟎𝟎. 𝟔℉ are considered unhealthy.
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
I. In the following exercises, solve each inequality. Graph the solution and
write the solution in interval notation.
1. |𝑥| ≤ 3
2. |2𝑥 − 5| ≤ 3
3. |3𝑥 − 7| + 3 < 1
4. |2𝑥 − 1| > 5
5. |𝑥 − 7| > −3
II. Solve the following problem.
1. The ideal diameter of a rod needed for a machine is 60 mm. The
actual diameter can vary from the ideal diameter by 0.075 mm.
What range of diameters will be acceptable to the customer
without causing the rod to be rejected?
2. An organic juice bottler ideally produces 215,000 bottle per day.
But this total can vary by as much as 7,500 bottles. What is the
maximum and minimum expected production at the bottling
company?
TEACHER’S NOTE
How did you do? Did you get it all? Way to go! Were you confused? That’s okay it
is perfectly normal at the start. You just need more practice! You may want to visit
the additional resources before you move on to the next lesson.
Intro to Absolute Value Inequalities | Khan Academy
Available at: https://tinyurl.com/5bdsweny
Absolute Value Inequalities | The Organic Chemistry|
Available at: https://tinyurl.com/yckxcdyu
96
Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
Marecek, et al., (2020). Intermediate Algebra 2e. Houston, Texas: OpenStax
Smith, W. (2020). Story of Mathematics. https://www.storyofmathematics.com/
Module Creator / Curator : Mrs. Floreneth P. Soriano
Template & Layout Designer : Miss Jessa C. Luansing
Miss Maryrose Lizette A. Reyes
Miss Sherline A. Villanueva
ANSWER KEY
SELF-CHECK
I. In the following exercises, solve each inequality. Graph the solution and write the solution
in interval notation.
1. |𝑥| ≤ 3
2. |2𝑥 − 5| ≤ 3
3. |3𝑥 − 7| + 3 < 1
4. |2𝑥 − 1| > 5
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Lesson 7: ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES
5. |𝑥 − 7| > −3
II. Solve the following problem.
1. The ideal diameter of a rod needed for a machine is 60 mm. The actual diameter
can vary from the ideal diameter by 0.075 mm. What range of diameters will be
acceptable to the customer without causing the rod to be rejected?
The diameter of the rod can be between 𝟓𝟗. 𝟗𝟐𝟓 mm and 60.075 mm.
2. An organic juice bottler ideally produces 215,000 bottle per day. But this total can
vary by as much as 7,500 bottles. What is the maximum and minimum expected
production at the bottling company?
The minimum to maximum expected production is 𝟐𝟎𝟕, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 to 𝟐, 𝟐𝟐𝟓, 𝟎𝟎𝟎
bottles
98
