Math Problem Statement

Solve the inequality 1 ≤ |x| < 4

Solution

The inequality in the image is:

1x<41 \leq |x| < 4

To solve this inequality, we can break it down as follows:

Step 1: Understanding the absolute value inequality

The absolute value inequality x|x| describes the distance of xx from 0. Specifically:

  • x1|x| \geq 1 means that xx is at least 1 unit away from 0, in either the positive or negative direction.
  • x<4|x| < 4 means that xx is less than 4 units away from 0, in either the positive or negative direction.

Step 2: Solving the inequality

The inequality can be broken into two cases for each part:

1x<41 \leq |x| < 4

This translates to two simultaneous inequalities:

1x1 \leq |x| and x<4|x| < 4

For x1|x| \geq 1:

  • This means x1x \leq -1 or x1x \geq 1 (since the absolute value is greater than or equal to 1).

For x<4|x| < 4:

  • This means 4<x<4-4 < x < 4.

Step 3: Combine the two conditions

Now, we combine the results from the two inequalities:

  1. 1x1 \leq |x| gives us x1x \leq -1 or x1x \geq 1.
  2. x<4|x| < 4 gives us 4<x<4-4 < x < 4.

Combining these two conditions, we get:

  • For the first part x1x \leq -1, we need 4<x1-4 < x \leq -1, so 4<x1-4 < x \leq -1.
  • For the second part x1x \geq 1, we need 1x<41 \leq x < 4.

Final Answer:

The solution to the inequality is:

4<x1or1x<4-4 < x \leq -1 \quad \text{or} \quad 1 \leq x < 4

This is the set of all xx such that xx is between -4 and -1 (inclusive of -1) or between 1 and 4 (inclusive of 1, but not 4).

Would you like more details on how to solve inequalities involving absolute values?

Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. What is the general process for solving absolute value inequalities?
  2. How would the solution change if the inequality were x4|x| \geq 4?
  3. Can you graph the solution on a number line?
  4. What is the difference between x<a|x| < a and xa|x| \leq a?
  5. How do you solve the inequality x2<5|x - 2| < 5?

Tip: When solving absolute value inequalities, always consider both the positive and negative cases for the absolute value function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Absolute Value Inequalities
Inequality Solving

Formulas

|x| = x if x ≥ 0, |x| = -x if x < 0

Theorems

Absolute Value Property
Inequality Solving Techniques

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10