To solve the absolute value inequality |2x – 4| < 8, we need to break it down into two separate inequalities. The absolute value expression |A| < B indicates that the value of A lies between -B and B. In this case, our A is 2x – 4 and our B is 8.
We can set up the two inequalities as follows:
- 2x – 4 < 8
- 2x – 4 > -8
Now, let’s solve each inequality separately.
First Inequality: 2x – 4 < 8
1. Add 4 to both sides:
2x < 12
2. Divide both sides by 2:
x < 6
Second Inequality: 2x – 4 > -8
1. Add 4 to both sides:
2x > -4
2. Divide both sides by 2:
x > -2
Now, we combine the results of both inequalities:
-2 < x < 6
Interval Notation:
The solution can be written in interval notation as:
( -2, 6 )
Graphing the Solution:
To graph this inequality on a number line:
- Draw a number line.
- Place open circles at -2 and 6 (indicating these points are not included in the solution).
- Shade the region between -2 and 6.
This shaded region represents all the values of x that satisfy the inequality |2x – 4| < 8.
Conclusion:
The solution to the absolute value inequality |2x – 4| < 8 is -2 < x < 6, and it can be represented graphically by a number line with open circles on -2 and 6 and shading between these points.