Bunuel
reynaldreni
If \((2-g)^2 < 9\), which of the following expression of \(g\) is correct?
A) \(g < -1\)
B) \(-3/\sqrt{2}< g <3/\sqrt{2}\)
C) \(-9/2 < g < 9/2\)
D) \(g > 5\)
E) \(-1 < g < 5\)
Take the square root from both ides of \((2-g)^2 < 9\) (note that we can safely do that sine both sides are non-negative):
\(|2 - g| < 3\);
Get rid of the modulus: \(-3 < 2 - g < 3\);
Subtract 2: \(-5 < -g < 1\);
Multiply by -1 and flip the signs: \(5 > g > -1\).
Answer: E.
Dear
Bunuel,
I have issues with this "since both sides are non-negative". I came across this assumption for several times now. Most often in the module regarding absolute values. However, I already didn't get to the real bottom of the issue. May you elaborate your thought behind "since both sides are non-negative"?
I would like to add the following: I understand that distances in general can't be negative and that absolute values can be interpreted as distances! However, even after understanding that fact, I still don't understand, situations like the following:
|x-y|
In my understanding, this would simply be some distance from point x to y on a number line. But we can't say foe sure that this is expression will yield some positive value, because we don't know either value of x or y. Why is that?
Best, gota900