Select the counterexample that makes this conjecture false:
For any real number x, x2 ≥ x.

Question

Select the counterexample that makes this conjecture false: 
      For any real number x,  x2 ≥ x.

anonymous · Answer

x = 1/2
x = -2
x = |3|
x = 0

anonymous · Answer

Try plugging in each of those into the equation. And see which one the inequality isn't true for.

anonymous · Answer

can u help? i forget how to solve inequalitys

anonymous · Answer

Well, you don't need to do much with the inequality other than realize what it is saying which is: given any x, x^2 is always "Greater Than or Equal To" x. So, by testing each choice, i.e. squaring each one, you will find that only one of them gets smaller when squared.

anonymous · Answer

There is nothing to solve; it's plug-and-chug.

anonymous · Answer

The statement is basically saying, "x squared is always bigger than x." You prove this is false by finding a counterexample. In this case, a counterexample is a value for x which when squared, is smaller than just x. Just start squaring things, you'll find the answer!

anonymous · Answer

okk

anonymous · Answer

thanks!!

anonymous · Answer

Very welcome!

anonymous · Answer

i get x = 1/2 :) is that right?