How do you graph and solve |3y+2|=|2y-5|?

2 Answers

y in { 3/5, -7 }

Explanation:

or 3y +2 = 2y - 5 (i) or 3y + 2 = -2y + 5 (ii)

(i) Rightarrow y = -7

(ii) Rightarrow 5y = 3

Jan 2, 2016

y=-7,3/5

Explanation:

Find the points when the term inside the absolute value switches sign.

abs(3y+2)

3y+2=0
y=-2/3
3y+2<0 when y<-2/3, >0 when y> -2/3

abs(2y-5)

2y-5=0
y=5/2
2y-5<0 when y<5/2, >0 when y>5/2

From this, we have three distinct ranges of numbers: (-oo,-2/3),(-2/3,5/2), and (5/2,+oo).

color(blue)((-oo,-2/3)

In this set, both of the terms inside the absolute value functions will be negative. Take the negative versions of each of the absolute value expressions.

-(3y+2)=-(2y-5)

Solve. The answer is only valid if y<-2/3.

3y+2=2y-5
y=-7

This is a valid answer.

color(blue)((-2/3,5/2)

Here, the 3y+2 term will be positive but 2y-5 will be negative. Take the opposite version of only the 2y-5 term and solve.

3y+2=-(2y-5)
3y+2=-2y+5
y=3/5

This is also a valid answer, since -2/3<3/5<5/2.

color(blue)((5/2,+oo)

From the first set, we know this will result in an answer of -7. Though it is invalid for this range, it was valid for (-oo,-2/3).

Thus, y=-7,3/5.

graph{abs(3x+2)-abs(2x-5) [-19.8, 20.75, -8.48, 11.79]}