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Modulus Handout Form 6 CXC

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Chevaughn Campbell
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21 views2 pages

Modulus Handout Form 6 CXC

Uploaded by

Chevaughn Campbell
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modulus Function Handout

1. Introduction to the Modulus Function


The modulus (or absolute value) of a number x, written as |x|, represents its distance from
zero on the number line. The modulus function removes any negative sign, so the result is
always non-negative:

|x| = { x if x ≥ 0 ; -x if x < 0 }

For example:
- |5| = 5
- |-3| = 3

The modulus function is useful in mathematics for ensuring that values are always non-
negative, regardless of the sign of the input.

2. Evaluating Modulus Functions


To evaluate modulus functions, substitute the value of x and apply the absolute value rules.

Examples
1. Evaluate |7|:
|7| = 7

2. Evaluate |-4|:
|-4| = 4

3. Evaluate |x - 5| when x = 3 and x = 8:

- If x = 3: |3 - 5| = |-2| = 2

- If x = 8: |8 - 5| = |3| = 3

3. Solving Equations Involving Modulus Functions


Solving equations with modulus functions often involves removing the modulus by setting
up separate cases for positive and negative values. This approach allows us to analyze each
possible outcome and find all valid solutions.

Steps:
1. Set up two cases: one for the positive scenario and one for the negative.

2. Solve each equation separately to find possible solutions.

Example 1: Solve |x| = 3


1. Case 1: x = 3
2. Case 2: x = -3

So, the solutions are x = 3 and x = -3.

Example 2: Solve |2x - 4| = 6


1. Case 1: 2x - 4 = 6
- 2x = 10 ⇒ x = 5

2. Case 2: 2x - 4 = -6
- 2x = -2 ⇒ x = -1

So, the solutions are x = 5 and x = -1.

Example 3: Solve |x + 1| = |2x - 3|


1. Case 1: x + 1 = 2x - 3
- Solve for x: x = 4

2. Case 2: x + 1 = -(2x - 3)
- Simplify: x + 1 = -2x + 3
- Solve for x: x = 2/3

So, the solutions are x = 4 and x = 2/3.

4. Summary
- Modulus Function |x| takes the absolute value of x, resulting in a non-negative number.
- Evaluating: Substitute values directly into |x| and apply the absolute value rule.
- Solving Equations: Split the equation into cases based on the positive and negative
scenarios inside the modulus, then solve each case separately.

By mastering these methods, students can effectively handle problems involving modulus
functions and confidently solve equations requiring absolute values.

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