BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

When is Modulus Negative !

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:57 pm
Thanked: 2 times

When is Modulus Negative !

by The Recruit » Mon Aug 08, 2011 12:47 am
Hello Everyone,

This is very basic, but i still wanted to get it cleared.

Q: When is modulus of a number negative, i know that only when x<0 ,

so that means |-3|=3 ? cant be right

so, someone please explain that what are the cases in which |x|=-x [ yes, only if x<0 but how :) ]

Thanks a tonne for replying , kind souls !
Strength & Honor.
Top
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3835
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:00 pm
Location: Milpitas, CA
Thanked: 1854 times
Followed by:523 members
GMAT Score:770

by Anurag@Gurome » Mon Aug 08, 2011 12:53 am
The Recruit wrote:Hello Everyone,

This is very basic, but i still wanted to get it cleared.

Q: When is modulus of a number negative, i know that only when x<0 ,

so that means |-3|=3 ? cant be right

so, someone please explain that what are the cases in which |x|=-x [ yes, only if x<0 but how :) ]

Thanks a tonne for replying , kind souls !
That's some serious misconception!
Modulus or absolute value of a number is never negative.

Absolute value of any number x is defined as,
  • 1. |x| = x for x ≥ 0
    2. |x| = -x for x < 0
Hence, for x < 0, |x| = -x which is greater than zero as x itself is negative.

Hope that clears your confusion.
Anurag Mairal, Ph.D., MBA
GMAT Expert, Admissions and Career Guidance
Gurome, Inc.
1-800-566-4043 (USA)

Join Our Facebook Groups
GMAT with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/272466352793633/
Admissions with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/461459690536574/
Career Advising with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/360435787349781/
Top
User avatar
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:57 pm
Thanked: 2 times

by The Recruit » Mon Aug 08, 2011 1:03 am
Thanks for the prompt reply Anurag,

so if u'stand correct, Based on |x| = -x for x < 0

|-3| = - 3 as -3<0, but thats not correct !

Thanks for clearing
Strength & Honor.
Top
User avatar
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:57 pm
Thanked: 2 times

by The Recruit » Mon Aug 08, 2011 2:02 am
Anyone ?
Strength & Honor.
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3835
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:00 pm
Location: Milpitas, CA
Thanked: 1854 times
Followed by:523 members
GMAT Score:770

by Anurag@Gurome » Mon Aug 08, 2011 5:51 am
The Recruit wrote:Thanks for the prompt reply Anurag,

so if u'stand correct, Based on |x| = -x for x < 0

|-3| = - 3 as -3<0, but thats not correct !

Thanks for clearing
For x < 0, |x| = -x
In this case, x = -3
Hence, |x| = -x = -(-3) = 3

Thus, |-3| = 3

Hope that helps.
Anurag Mairal, Ph.D., MBA
GMAT Expert, Admissions and Career Guidance
Gurome, Inc.
1-800-566-4043 (USA)

Join Our Facebook Groups
GMAT with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/272466352793633/
Admissions with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/461459690536574/
Career Advising with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/360435787349781/
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1