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Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 57

Solve each equation or inequality. | 6- 3x | < -11

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1
Recognize that the expression involves an absolute value inequality: \(|6 - 3x| + 4 < -11\).
Isolate the absolute value term by subtracting 4 from both sides: \(|6 - 3x| < -11 - 4\).
Simplify the right side: \(|6 - 3x| < -15\).
Recall that the absolute value of any real number is always greater than or equal to zero, so it can never be less than a negative number.
Conclude that there is no solution to the inequality because an absolute value expression cannot be less than a negative number.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Absolute Value Inequalities

Absolute value inequalities involve expressions where the absolute value of a variable or expression is compared to a number. Understanding how to interpret and solve inequalities like |A| < B or |A| > B is essential, where the solution depends on whether B is positive, zero, or negative.
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Properties of Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line and is always non-negative. This means |x| ≥ 0 for any real x, and |x| < 0 has no solution. Recognizing this helps determine if an inequality involving absolute values has solutions.
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Solving Linear Inequalities

Solving linear inequalities involves isolating the variable and considering inequality rules, such as reversing the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number. This skill is necessary after interpreting the absolute value inequality to find the solution set.
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