SOLUTION: This is the problem. I don't know what to use so I am using an l for an absolute value bracket. l-4l < -l-4l. The answer in the book is the greater than symbol. My question is, i

Algebra ->  Absolute-value -> SOLUTION: This is the problem. I don't know what to use so I am using an l for an absolute value bracket. l-4l < -l-4l. The answer in the book is the greater than symbol. My question is, i      Log On


   

Question 204195This question is from textbook Elementary & Intermediate Algebra
: This is the problem. I don't know what to use so I am using an l for an absolute value bracket. l-4l < -l-4l. The answer in the book is the greater than symbol. My question is, is that because there is a negative sign before the second absolute value bracket of the second -4. Thank you
Roxanne This question is from textbook Elementary & Intermediate Algebra

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Remember that the absolute value of ANY number is ALWAYS positive. So abs%28-2%29=2 and abs%285%29=5


In your case, abs%28-4%29%3C-abs%28-4%29 simplifies to 4%3C-4 which is NOT true. So you need to flip the inequality to get 4%3E-4 which is now true. So you are correct: the outer negative sign does make the right hand side smaller.