Concept understanding — Absolute Value: Equations and Inequalities
Definition.∣x∣=x if x≥0, and ∣x∣=−x if x<0 -- the distance of x from 0 on the number line. Consequently ∣x∣≥0 always, and ∣x∣=∣−x∣.
Solving equations.∣u∣=r (with r≥0) splits into u=r or u=−r; if r<0 there is no solution, since an absolute value can never be negative. ∣u∣=∣v∣ splits into u=v or u=−v.
Solving inequalities -- the two master rules:
∣x∣<r⟺−r<x<r,∣x∣>r⟺x<−r or x>r,
proved by splitting into the cases x≥0 and x<0. Shifted forms: ∣x−a∣≤r⟺x∈[a−r,a+r]; ∣x−a∣≥r⟺x∈(−∞,a−r]∪[a+r,∞).
Algebraic identities.∣xy∣=∣x∣∣y∣; yx=∣y∣∣x∣ (y=0); the triangle inequality∣x+y∣≤∣x∣+∣y∣; and if ∣y+x∣=∣x−y∣ then xy=0.
Watch out
∣u∣≥(negative number) is true for EVERY real u; ∣u∣<(negative number) has NO solution -- always check the sign of the bound before mechanically unfolding a compound inequality. Also, dividing/multiplying by a negative constant while isolating ∣u∣ flips the inequality's direction, just as with any ordinary inequality.
Both sides are handled by flipping to ∣2x−1∣>61, since taking reciprocals of positive quantities reverses the inequality.
✓Final answer
x∈(−∞,125)∪(127,∞).
Step 1. For the fraction to make sense we need 2x−1=0, and since ∣2x−1∣>0 then, both sides of ∣2x−1∣1<6 are handled by taking reciprocals of positive numbers, which reverses the inequality: ∣2x−1∣>61.
Step 2. Unfold: 2x−1>61 or 2x−1<−61.
Step 3. First branch: 2x>67⇒x>127. Second branch: 2x<65⇒x<125.
Step 4. Combine: x<125 or x>127.
✓Final answer
x∈(−∞,125)∪(127,∞).
Take reciprocals of a positive quantity (reverses the inequality), then unfold the absolute value
Forgetting that 2x−1=0 (i.e. x=21) must be excluded from the domain.
Not reversing the inequality when passing from ∣2x−1∣1<6 to ∣2x−1∣>61.