Jump to content

Definition of |x|

Featured Replies

Can the following definition of the absolute value be considered as correct??

 

([math]x\geq 0\Longrightarrow |x|=x[/math]) and (x<0[math]\Longrightarrow |x|=-x[/math])

That works. So does saying that |x|=x for x>0, |x|=-x for x<=0. Or a three-way case,

 

[math]|x|=\begin{cases} \phantom{-}x & \text{if~}x>0 \\ -x &\text{if~} x<0\\ \phantom{-}0 & \text{if~}x=0\end{cases}[/math]

 

I like the latter as it explicitly identifies 0 is a special case and because of the symmetry. That's just personal preference.

 

There are many other ways to write it. For example

 

[math]|x|=\sqrt{x^2}[/math]

  • Author

But ,however, logic dictates us the following:

 

If we put :

 

([math]x\geq 0[/math]): = p

 

 

(|x|=x) := r

 

(x<0): = q

 

 

(|x|= -x): = s...............then we have:

 

([math]p\Longrightarrow r[/math]) and ([math]q\Longrightarrow s[/math]) which logicaly implies:

 

[math]p\wedge q\Longrightarrow r\wedge s[/math]

 

But p&q means that we have : [math]x\geq 0[/math] and x<0 .

 

IS that possible??

Yes, in fact it's necessarily true. Since p^q is never true, p^q => r^s is a vacuous truth.

Remember that if a is false then [a=>b] is true regardless of b.

  • Author

Yes but introducing false statements into a proof can lead us to disastrous consequences

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.