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Algebra 15 Online
OpenStudy (genny7):

Explain why there is no solution to the inequality |w - 2| < -2.

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

When you take the absolute value of any number, can you get a negative?

OpenStudy (genny7):

yes..

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

No, the absolute value of any number is a positive number.

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

Can any positive number be less than -2?

OpenStudy (genny7):

Why is that?

OpenStudy (genny7):

No...?

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

That is the definition of absolute value. It is the distance from 0 to the number in question.

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

So, the absolute value of -3 is 3.

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

And the absolute value of 3 is 3.

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

Because they are both 3 away from 0.

OpenStudy (genny7):

So there is no solution to the question above because it has a negative number, right?

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

There is no solution because a positive number can never be less than -2.

OpenStudy (genny7):

Oh now I understand! Thank you Joanna! :)

OpenStudy (joannablackwelder):

No worries. :)

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