Solve each equation or inequality.∣12−9x∣≥−12| 12- 9x | ≥ -12

Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities

Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook

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Lial 13th Edition

Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities

Problem 56

Chapter 2, Problem 56

Solve each equation or inequality.
$∣ 12 - 9 x ∣ \geq - 12$

Verified step by step guidance

Recognize that the absolute value expression $|12 - 9x|$ represents the distance of the quantity $(12 - 9x)$ from zero on the number line, and absolute values are always non-negative (i.e., $|a| \geq 0$ for any real number $a$).

Note that the inequality is $|12 - 9x| \geq -12$. Since the right side is a negative number, and absolute values are always greater than or equal to zero, this inequality will always be true for all real values of $x$.

Formally, because $|12 - 9x| \geq 0$ and $0 \geq -12$, the inequality $|12 - 9x| \geq -12$ holds for every real number $x$.

Therefore, the solution set is all real numbers, which can be written as $(-\infty, \infty)$.

To summarize, no further algebraic manipulation is needed because the inequality is always true due to the properties of absolute value.

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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. Since absolute value represents distance from zero, it is always non-negative, which affects how inequalities are solved and interpreted.

Properties of Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, always non-negative. For any real number x, |x| ≥ 0, and |x| = a implies x = a or x = -a. This property helps in breaking down absolute value inequalities into separate cases.

Solving Linear Inequalities

Solving linear inequalities involves isolating the variable and considering the direction of the inequality. When multiplying or dividing by a negative number, the inequality sign reverses. Understanding this is essential when solving inequalities derived from absolute value expressions.