System of absolute value equations

CAT 2021 Slot 3 · QA · Hard · Algebra

If 3x+2y+y=73x + 2|y| + y = 7 and x+x+3y=1x + |x| + 3y = 1, then x+2yx + 2y is

  1. A.

    0

  2. B.

    1

  3. C.

    -\frac{4}{3}

  4. D.

    \frac{8}{3}

Answer

A

Explanation

Consider cases for signs of xx and yy:

Case 1: x0,y<0x \ge 0, y < 0 x=x|x| = x and y=y|y| = -y. Equation 1: 3x2y+y=7    3xy=7    y=3x73x - 2y + y = 7 \implies 3x - y = 7 \implies y = 3x - 7 Equation 2: x+x+3y=1    2x+3y=1x + x + 3y = 1 \implies 2x + 3y = 1

Substitute y=3x7y = 3x - 7 into Equation 2: 2x+3(3x7)=1    11x21=1    11x=22    x=22x + 3(3x - 7) = 1 \implies 11x - 21 = 1 \implies 11x = 22 \implies x = 2 y=3(2)7=1y = 3(2) - 7 = -1

Since x=20x = 2 \ge 0 and y=1<0y = -1 < 0, this solution is valid.

Now, calculate x+2yx + 2y: x+2y=2+2(1)=0x + 2y = 2 + 2(-1) = 0.

Practise this under exam conditions

Sign in to solve it with a live timer, the on-screen CAT calculator, and streak and accuracy tracking across every question you attempt.

Solve in the workspace