Math Problem Statement

x1+x3=2x4\left\vert x-1\right\vert+\left\vert x-3\right\vert=\left\vert2x-4\right\vert

Solution

We need to solve the equation involving absolute values:

x1+x3=2x4.\left\vert x - 1 \right\vert + \left\vert x - 3 \right\vert = \left\vert 2x - 4 \right\vert.

Step 1: Analyze Absolute Values

Break the equation into different cases based on the critical points where the expressions inside the absolute values change sign. These critical points occur at x=1x = 1, x=3x = 3, and x=2x = 2 (since 2x4=2x2|2x - 4| = 2|x - 2|).

Thus, the three cases we consider are:

  1. Case 1: x<1x < 1
  2. Case 2: 1x31 \leq x \leq 3
  3. Case 3: x>3x > 3

Case 1: x<1x < 1

For x<1x < 1, we have: x1=(x1)=1x,\left\vert x - 1 \right\vert = -(x - 1) = 1 - x, x3=(x3)=3x,\left\vert x - 3 \right\vert = -(x - 3) = 3 - x, 2x4=(2x4)=42x.\left\vert 2x - 4 \right\vert = -(2x - 4) = 4 - 2x.

Substitute these into the equation: (1x)+(3x)=42x,(1 - x) + (3 - x) = 4 - 2x, 42x=42x.4 - 2x = 4 - 2x.

This is an identity, meaning it is true for all xx in the range x<1x < 1.

Thus, all x<1x < 1 are solutions for this case.


Case 2: 1x31 \leq x \leq 3

For 1x31 \leq x \leq 3, we have: x1=x1,\left\vert x - 1 \right\vert = x - 1, x3=3x,\left\vert x - 3 \right\vert = 3 - x, 2x4=2x4.\left\vert 2x - 4 \right\vert = 2x - 4.

Substitute these into the equation: (x1)+(3x)=2x4,(x - 1) + (3 - x) = 2x - 4, 2=2x4.2 = 2x - 4.

Solving for xx: 2x=6,2x = 6, x=3.x = 3.

Since x=3x = 3 lies within the interval 1x31 \leq x \leq 3, it is a valid solution.


Case 3: x>3x > 3

For x>3x > 3, we have: x1=x1,\left\vert x - 1 \right\vert = x - 1, x3=x3,\left\vert x - 3 \right\vert = x - 3, 2x4=2x4.\left\vert 2x - 4 \right\vert = 2x - 4.

Substitute these into the equation: (x1)+(x3)=2x4,(x - 1) + (x - 3) = 2x - 4, 2x4=2x4.2x - 4 = 2x - 4.

This is again an identity, meaning it is true for all x>3x > 3.

Thus, all x>3x > 3 are solutions for this case.


Final Solution

The solution set is: (,1)[3,).(-\infty, 1) \cup [3, \infty).

Would you like further details or explanations on any specific part of this solution?


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this problem:

  1. How do you solve inequalities involving absolute values?
  2. Can absolute value equations have no solution? How would you detect that?
  3. What are some real-world applications of absolute value equations?
  4. How does the graph of an absolute value function look, and how can we interpret it?
  5. How can you solve systems of equations that involve absolute values?

Tip: When solving absolute value equations, always consider breaking the equation into cases based on where the expressions inside the absolute values change sign.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Absolute Value Equations
Piecewise Functions

Formulas

Absolute value equation: |a - b| = a - b when a >= b, and |a - b| = b - a when a < b

Theorems

Piecewise definition of absolute value
Solving equations by breaking them into cases based on critical points

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11