How would you approach this question in terms of the first, second, third steps? Do we always have to assume that absolute values have a positive and negative case?
-(|5|+|-5|)
Now, |5| =5 using the properties of non-negativity |a| = a, \text{ for } (a\geq0)
will use the same property for |-5| = 5
Can read all the properties in here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_value
But when we’re dealing with variables
then we don’t know what the sign is , at that time we can to consider both cases .
for eg : |x| = 2 then x can be both -2 and +2
Just to confirm: So when we have an x in place - we don’t know the sign so it requires we consider both cases, but when we have numbers in these modulus then we know for sure it can be the positive number?
Yes, you can further watch Greg’s concept series to get a better understanding in here: LINK , it’s under the heading Real Numbers and Absolute Value
1 Like