Question 1020962
I think you have typos (as in more the one).

As posted, the answer is neither 1) nor 2)
{{{abs(x-0.004)<=0.003}}}<-->{{{-0.003<=x-0.004<=0.003}}}<-->{{{0.001<=x<=0.007}}}
 
"The thickness of a cylindrical copper wire should exceed 0.044 inch by at least 0.003 inch" (with {{{x}}}= thickness in inches) translates as
{{{x-0.044>=0.003}}}<-->{{{x>=0.047}}} .
 
"The index of refraction of a glass lens should be above or below 0.044 by at least 0.003" (with {{{x}}}= index of refraction) translates as
{{{abs(x-0.044)>=0.003}}}<-->{{{system(x<=0.041,"or",x>=0.047)}}} .
 
The answer could be
3) The index of refraction of a glass lens (or thickness of a cylindrical copper wire in inches) should be above or below 0.004 by no more than 0.003 ,
or
4) The index of refraction of a glass lens (or thickness of a cylindrical copper wire in inches) should be within 0.003 of 0.004.