If |x| < 20 and |x – 8| > |x + 4|, which of the following ...
To solve this inequality, we can break it down into two cases:
Case 1: x is positive or zero (x ≥ 0) If x is greater than or equal to 0, the inequality simplifies to: x - 8 > x + 4
By subtracting x from both sides, we get: -8 > 4
This inequality is false, so there are no solutions for x in this case.
Case 2: x is negative (x < 0) If x is less than 0, the inequality simplifies to: -(x - 8) > x + 4
Expanding the absolute values, we have: -1(x - 8) > x + 4
Simplifying further:
By subtracting x from both sides, we get: 8 > 2x + 4
Subtracting 4 from both sides: 4 > 2x
Dividing by 2: 2 > x
So, in this case, x must be less than 2.
Combining the results from both cases, we find that x must be less than 2. However, we also have the constraint that |x| < 20, which means x must be within the range -20 < x < 20.
Combining these conditions, the allowable range for x is -20 < x < 2, which corresponds to option (B).