Last visit was: 20 Jul 2025, 05:12 It is currently 20 Jul 2025, 05:12
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
 1   2   
705-805 Level|   Absolute Values|   Min-Max Problems|            
User avatar
parkhydel
User avatar
Joined: 03 Jun 2019
Last visit: 27 Mar 2025
Posts: 224
Own Kudos:
17,527
 [415]
Given Kudos: 60
Posts: 224
Kudos: 17,527
 [415]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 27 Apr 2020, 14:25
21
Kudos
Add Kudos
394
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
00:00
Start Timer
Pause Timer
Resume Timer
Show Answer
Hide
Show
History
E
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!

Difficulty:

75% (hard)

Question Stats:

59% (02:00) correct 41% (02:25) wrong based on 4668 sessions

History

Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3


PS29580.02
ShowHide Answer
Official Answer
E
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
BrentGMATPrepNow
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 12 Sep 2015
Last visit: 13 May 2024
Posts: 6,755
Own Kudos:
34,140
 [165]
Given Kudos: 799
Location: Canada
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 6,755
Kudos: 34,140
 [165]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be Updated on: 07 Oct 2020, 08:04
Originally posted by BrentGMATPrepNow on 27 Apr 2020, 21:23.
Last edited by BrentGMATPrepNow on 07 Oct 2020, 08:04, edited 1 time in total.
94
Kudos
Add Kudos
70
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3

Key idea: \(x^2\) is always greater than or equal to 0
This means \(-x^2\) is always less than or equal to 0
And this means \(-x^2 - 3\) is always NEGATIVE
In other words, the denominator of \(y\) is most definitely NEGATIVE

From here, there are two possible cases:
case i: If the numerator of \(y\) is NEGATIVE, then y is POSITIVE
case ii: If the numerator of \(y\) is POSITIVE, then y is NEGATIVE

Since we're trying to MAXIMIZE the value of y, we need the denominator to be negative (which would make y POSITIVE)
However, the numerator, |3x - 5|, will always be greater than or equal to 0.
Since we can't make the numerator NEGATIVE, the only way to maximize the value of y is make the numerator ZERO
In other words: \(|3x - 5|=0\)
Which means \(3x -5=0\)
So \(3x =5\)
Ergo \(x = \frac{5}{3} \)

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent
User avatar
nick1816
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 19 Oct 2018
Last visit: 28 Jun 2025
Posts: 1,853
Own Kudos:
7,844
 [48]
Given Kudos: 707
Location: India
Posts: 1,853
Kudos: 7,844
 [48]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 27 Apr 2020, 14:38
34
Kudos
Add Kudos
13
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
|3x-5| is always non-negative and -(x^2+3) is alway negative

\( \frac{|3x - 5|}{(-x^2 - 3)} ≤ 0\)

Hence maximum value of \(\frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) is 0.

\(|3x-5| = 0\)

\(x= \frac{5}{3}\)




parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3


PS29580.02
General Discussion
User avatar
GMATinsight
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 08 Jul 2010
Last visit: 20 Jul 2025
Posts: 6,377
Own Kudos:
15,616
 [16]
Given Kudos: 128
Status:GMAT/GRE Tutor l Admission Consultant l On-Demand Course creator
Location: India
GMAT: QUANT+DI EXPERT
Schools: IIM (A) ISB '24
GMAT 1: 750 Q51 V41
WE:Education (Education)
Products:
My Reviews
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: IIM (A) ISB '24
GMAT 1: 750 Q51 V41
Posts: 6,377
Kudos: 15,616
 [16]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 27 Apr 2020, 21:38
10
Kudos
Add Kudos
6
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3


PS29580.02

We have \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\)

The denominator, \(-x^2 - 3\) MUST be Negative

The Numerator, \(|3x - 5|\) can NOT be Negative

i.e. \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) MUST be Non-Positive



i.e. Maximum Value of a non-Positive function can be ZERO when Numerator is Zero[

i.e. 3x-5 = 0
i.e. y is maximum at \(x = 5/3\) and \(y_{max}=0\)

Answer: Option E
User avatar
itspCv2
User avatar
Joined: 06 May 2020
Last visit: 18 Jun 2021
Posts: 32
Own Kudos:
103
 [2]
Given Kudos: 11
Location: India
Schools: HEC '22
Schools: HEC '22
Posts: 32
Kudos: 103
 [2]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 10 May 2020, 06:40
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3


PS29580.02
Confused of signs ? just substitute X= options

arrive at Solution which gives greatest takes 1 to 2 mins. But helps if u are confused

E.5/3 gives greatest value when substituted

HOPE this helps.
THANKS :thumbsup:
User avatar
PhantomAY
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 21 Jan 2020
Last visit: 01 May 2021
Posts: 58
Own Kudos:
52
 [1]
Given Kudos: 31
Status:Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.
Location: United States (IL)
Concentration: Strategy, General Management
Schools: Booth (Chicago) (A$) Kellogg PT '23 (A)
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V40
GPA: 3.63
WE:Project Management (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Booth (Chicago) (A$) Kellogg PT '23 (A)
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V40
Posts: 58
Kudos: 52
 [1]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 23 May 2020, 14:35
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3


PS29580.02

Segment the numerator and denominator to look for extreme combination: |3x-5|>=0 and \(-x^2-3<=-3\), and hence y<=0.

Thus the greatest value of y is 0 --> 3x-5 = 0 --> x = \(5/3\)
User avatar
unraveled
User avatar
Joined: 07 Mar 2019
Last visit: 10 Apr 2025
Posts: 2,727
Own Kudos:
2,172
 [4]
Given Kudos: 763
Location: India
WE:Sales (Energy)
Posts: 2,727
Kudos: 2,172
 [4]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 25 Sep 2020, 10:49
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3


PS29580.02
\(y = \frac{+ numerator }{ - denominator}\)
Hence y will always be negative except when the numerator is zero which is the largest value y can take.

\(\implies\) |3x-5| = 0
\(\implies x = \frac{5}{3}\)

Answer E.
User avatar
dave13
User avatar
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Last visit: 23 Nov 2024
Posts: 1,114
Own Kudos:
1,088
 [1]
Given Kudos: 3,851
Posts: 1,114
Kudos: 1,088
 [1]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 07 Oct 2020, 07:55
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
BrentGMATPrepNow
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3

Key idea: \(x^2\) is always greater than or equal to 0
This means \(-x^2\) is always less than or equal to 0
And this means \(-x^2 - 3\) is always NEGATIVE
In other words, the denominator of \(y\) is most definitely NEGATIVE

From here, there are two possible cases:
case i: If the numerator of \(y\) is NEGATIVE, then y is POSITIVE
case ii: If the numerator of \(y\) is POSITIVE, then y is NEGATIVE

Since we're trying to MAXIMIZE the value of y, we need the denominator to be negative (which would make y POSITIVE)
However, the denominator, |3x - 5|, will always be greater than or equal to 0.
Since we can't make the numerator NEGATIVE, the only way to maximize the value of y is make the numerator ZERO
In other words: \(|3x - 5|=0\)
Which means \(3x -5=0\)
So \(3x =5\)
Ergo \(x = \frac{5}{3} \)

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent

Hi BrentGMATPrepNow Brent, the explanation is nice :) i just have a few questions:

When i saw :dazed |3x - 5| i thought i should consider two case

3x-5 or -3x+5 so I kinda confused...

3x=5 or -3x=-5

x = 5/3 or x = 5/3 (negative/negative =positive) both options give the same results :? :) thats strange to me Why ? :lol:

General question: if the absolute value by definition is distance from 0 and the distance is always positive or zero. why do we consider two cases positive and negative :?

p.s. i think you meant \(-x^2 - 3\) in the highlighted part
User avatar
BrentGMATPrepNow
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 12 Sep 2015
Last visit: 13 May 2024
Posts: 6,755
Own Kudos:
34,140
 [1]
Given Kudos: 799
Location: Canada
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 6,755
Kudos: 34,140
 [1]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 07 Oct 2020, 08:04
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
dave13

Hi BrentGMATPrepNow Brent, the explanation is nice :) i just have a few questions:

When i saw :dazed |3x - 5| i thought i should consider two case

3x-5 or -3x+5 so I kinda confused...

3x=5 or -3x=-5

x = 5/3 or x = 5/3 (negative/negative =positive) both options give the same results :? :) thats strange to me Why ? :lol:

General question: if the absolute value by definition is distance from 0 and the distance is always positive or zero. why do we consider two cases positive and negative :?

p.s. i think you meant \(-x^2 - 3\) in the highlighted part

You have taken the equation |3x - 5| = 0 and concluded that EITHER 3x - 5 = 0 OR -(3x - 5) = 0
Noticed that both of these equations are the same.
If we take -(3x - 5) = 0 and multiply both sides by -1, we got the equivalent equation 3x - 5 = -0, which is identical to the equation 3x - 5 = 0

Thanks for the heads-up about \(-x^2 - 3\)
User avatar
dave13
User avatar
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Last visit: 23 Nov 2024
Posts: 1,114
Own Kudos:
1,088
Given Kudos: 3,851
Posts: 1,114
Kudos: 1,088
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 23 Nov 2020, 04:54
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
BrentGMATPrepNow
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3

Key idea: \(x^2\) is always greater than or equal to 0
This means \(-x^2\) is always less than or equal to 0
And this means \(-x^2 - 3\) is always NEGATIVE
In other words, the denominator of \(y\) is most definitely NEGATIVE

From here, there are two possible cases:
case i: If the numerator of \(y\) is NEGATIVE, then y is POSITIVE
case ii: If the numerator of \(y\) is POSITIVE, then y is NEGATIVE

Since we're trying to MAXIMIZE the value of y, we need the denominator to be negative (which would make y POSITIVE)
However, the numerator, |3x - 5|, will always be greater than or equal to 0.
Since we can't make the numerator NEGATIVE, the only way to maximize the value of y is make the numerator ZERO
In other words: \(|3x - 5|=0\)
Which means \(3x -5=0\)
So \(3x =5\)
Ergo \(x = \frac{5}{3} \)

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent

BrentGMATPrepNow this time i picked A :lol: because i thought since Absolute value is always positive i can pick -5 so and in denominator since it it is --
-x^2 after plugging in -5, the sign will change into positive - *-5^2 = 25

So
\(y = \frac{|3 (-5) - 5|}{- -5^2 - 3}\)

= 10/22 greater than 0

why its wrong with it? :)
User avatar
BrentGMATPrepNow
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 12 Sep 2015
Last visit: 13 May 2024
Posts: 6,755
Own Kudos:
34,140
 [1]
Given Kudos: 799
Location: Canada
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 6,755
Kudos: 34,140
 [1]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 23 Nov 2020, 06:47
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
dave13
BrentGMATPrepNow this time i picked A :lol: because i thought since Absolute value is always positive i can pick -5 so and in denominator since it it is --
-x^2 after plugging in -5, the sign will change into positive - *-5^2 = 25

So
\(y = \frac{|3 (-5) - 5|}{- -5^2 - 3}\)

= 10/22 greater than 0

why its wrong with it? :)

Think of -x² as -(x²)
So, -x² - 3 = -(x²) - 3
So, when we plug in x = -5, we get: -(x²) - 3 = -((-5)²) - 3 = -(25) - 3 = -28

Does that help?
User avatar
avigutman
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2019
Last visit: 15 Jul 2025
Posts: 1,294
Own Kudos:
1,897
 [5]
Given Kudos: 66
Location: Canada
Schools: NYU Stern (WA)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V45
GMAT 2: 780 Q50 V47
GMAT 3: 770 Q50 V45
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: NYU Stern (WA)
GMAT 3: 770 Q50 V45
Posts: 1,294
Kudos: 1,897
 [5]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 17 Jan 2021, 07:27
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Video solution from Quant Reasoning starts at 22:23
Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/QuantReasoning? ... irmation=1
User avatar
100mitra
User avatar
Joined: 29 Apr 2019
Last visit: 06 Jul 2022
Posts: 716
Own Kudos:
617
Given Kudos: 49
Status:Learning
Posts: 716
Kudos: 617
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 03 Sep 2021, 22:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
IMO - E
I did it by subsituting the given value of X in option and found the largest value for Y is obtained by option E (5/3)
also realized, is denominator is negative and numerator is positive,
to obain highest value Y when the numerator is zero
User avatar
rvgmat12
User avatar
Joined: 19 Oct 2014
Last visit: 16 Jul 2025
Posts: 358
Own Kudos:
365
Given Kudos: 189
Location: United Arab Emirates
Schools: Wharton '23 Booth '23 INSEAD Jan'21 Intake
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Wharton '23 Booth '23 INSEAD Jan'21 Intake
Posts: 358
Kudos: 365
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 04 Sep 2021, 05:02
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Denominator is always negative -x^2 - 3

Max value can be 0

x = 5/3

E
User avatar
Sud2021
User avatar
Joined: 18 Oct 2016
Last visit: 12 Feb 2024
Posts: 18
Own Kudos:
15
 [1]
Given Kudos: 441
Location: India
Concentration: Finance
Schools: Mendoza (WA)
GMAT 1: 620 Q47 V29
GPA: 3.6
Schools: Mendoza (WA)
GMAT 1: 620 Q47 V29
Posts: 18
Kudos: 15
 [1]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 13 Sep 2022, 09:04
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
BrentGMATPrepNow
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3

Key idea: \(x^2\) is always greater than or equal to 0
This means \(-x^2\) is always less than or equal to 0
And this means \(-x^2 - 3\) is always NEGATIVE
In other words, the denominator of \(y\) is most definitely NEGATIVE

From here, there are two possible cases:
case i: If the numerator of \(y\) is NEGATIVE, then y is POSITIVE
case ii: If the numerator of \(y\) is POSITIVE, then y is NEGATIVE

Since we're trying to MAXIMIZE the value of y, we need the denominator to be negative (which would make y POSITIVE)
However, the numerator, |3x - 5|, will always be greater than or equal to 0.
Since we can't make the numerator NEGATIVE, the only way to maximize the value of y is make the numerator ZERO
In other words: \(|3x - 5|=0\)
Which means \(3x -5=0\)
So \(3x =5\)
Ergo \(x = \frac{5}{3} \)

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent,

Thank you for the great explanation. I understood the concept based on your walk-through.

Although, I did catch one issue with your one statement and please correct me if I am wrong.

BrentGMATPrepNow
Since we're trying to MAXIMIZE the value of y, we need the denominator to be negative (which would make y POSITIVE)

Shouldn't the statement above read "Numerator" instead of "Denominator"?

Regards,
Sud
User avatar
GMATking94
User avatar
Joined: 16 Jan 2022
Last visit: 18 Apr 2025
Posts: 180
Own Kudos:
73
 [1]
Given Kudos: 125
Status:Do or Die
Location: India
Schools: IIMB '25 (A) IIMC '25 (A) IIMA '25 (D) ISB '25 (I)
GMAT 1: 700 Q48 V37
GPA: 4
WE:Operations (Energy)
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: IIMB '25 (A) IIMC '25 (A) IIMA '25 (D) ISB '25 (I)
GMAT 1: 700 Q48 V37
Posts: 180
Kudos: 73
 [1]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 14 Sep 2022, 19:29
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
BrentGMATPrepNow
parkhydel
If \(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\) for what value of x will the value of y be greatest?

A. -5
B. -3/5
C. 0
D. 3/5
E. 5/3

Key idea: \(x^2\) is always greater than or equal to 0
This means \(-x^2\) is always less than or equal to 0
And this means \(-x^2 - 3\) is always NEGATIVE
In other words, the denominator of \(y\) is most definitely NEGATIVE

From here, there are two possible cases:
case i: If the numerator of \(y\) is NEGATIVE, then y is POSITIVE
case ii: If the numerator of \(y\) is POSITIVE, then y is NEGATIVE

Since we're trying to MAXIMIZE the value of y, we need the denominator to be negative (which would make y POSITIVE)
However, the numerator, |3x - 5|, will always be greater than or equal to 0.
Since we can't make the numerator NEGATIVE, the only way to maximize the value of y is make the numerator ZERO
In other words: \(|3x - 5|=0\)
Which means \(3x -5=0\)
So \(3x =5\)
Ergo \(x = \frac{5}{3} \)

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent,

I have a question regarding the modulus of the numerator.....since this is an absolute value function, the sign of the numerator will depend on the range of X. In this case, if X<5/3 the function should be written as -(3X-5), which makes the numerator negative for all range of values of X<5/3. So there can be values greater than 0 now.
User avatar
BrushMyQuant
User avatar
Joined: 05 Apr 2011
Last visit: 20 July 2025
Posts: 2,253
Own Kudos:
2,468
 [2]
Given Kudos: 100
Status:Tutor - BrushMyQuant
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Marketing
Schools: XLRI (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q51 V31
GPA: 3
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: XLRI (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q51 V31
Posts: 2,253
Kudos: 2,468
 [2]
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 09 Dec 2023, 03:58
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
\(y = \frac{|3x - 5|}{-x^2 - 3}\)

= \(\frac{|3x - 5|}{ -(x^2 + 3)}\)
= - \(\frac{|3x - 5|}{x^2 + 3}\)

Now, both |3x - 5| and \(x^2 + 3\) are non-negative values and we have a negative sign outside
=> Value can be maximum only when the numerator is either zero or is equal to denominator so that we get a small negative value overall

|3x - 5|=0
=> x = \(\frac{5}{3}\)

So, y = 0 when \(\frac{5}{3}\)

So, Answer will be E
Hope it helps!

Watch the following video to learn the Basics of Absolute Values

User avatar
onlymalapink
User avatar
Joined: 06 Aug 2024
Last visit: 19 Jul 2025
Posts: 81
Own Kudos:
9
Given Kudos: 737
Posts: 81
Kudos: 9
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 22 Dec 2024, 21:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
why is denomunatir always negative
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 19 Jul 2025
Posts: 102,627
Own Kudos:
742,925
Given Kudos: 98,235
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 102,627
Kudos: 742,925
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 22 Dec 2024, 23:59
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
onlymalapink
why is denomunatir always negative

x^2 is the square of a number, hence it cannot be negative, thus -x^2 - 2 = -(positive or 0) - positive = (negative or 0) - positive = negative.
User avatar
shubhim20
User avatar
Joined: 03 Feb 2025
Last visit: 15 Jul 2025
Posts: 93
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 143
Posts: 93
Kudos: 2
If y = |3x - 5|/(-x^2 - 3) for what value of x will the value of y be 03 Jul 2025, 06:02
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
@why can't 3/5 be right?
 1   2   
Moderators:
Bunuel
Math Expert
102627 posts
Krunaal
PS Forum Moderator
698 posts