How do you solve abs(5-x)<=x?

1 Answer
Oct 4, 2017

Use the piecewise definition of the absolute value function, |f(x)|={(f(x);f(x)>=0),(-f(x);f(x)<0):} to separate into two inequalities.
Solve both inequalities.

Explanation:

Separate into two inequalities:

5-x <=x and -(5-x) <= x

Distribute the minus sign in the second inequality:

5-x <=x and -5+x <= x

Add x to both sides of the first inequality and subtract x from both sides of the second:

5 <=2x and -5 <= 0

The second inequality does not depend on x, therefore, we discard it.

Divide both sides of the first inequality by 2:

5/2 <=x

Flip the inequality

x >= 5/2