Distinct integer solutions of modulus equation

CAT 2024 Slot 3 · Quantitative Ability · Easy · Algebra

The number of distinct integer solutions (x,y)(x, y) of the equation ∣x+y∣+∣x−y∣=2|x + y| + |x - y| = 2 is

Answer

8

Explanation

We are given the equation ∣x+y∣+∣x−y∣=2|x + y| + |x - y| = 2.

Using the identity ∣a+b∣+∣a−b∣=2max⁡(∣a∣,∣b∣)|a+b| + |a-b| = 2 \max(|a|, |b|), we can rewrite the equation as: 2max⁡(∣x∣,∣y∣)=2  ⟹  max⁡(∣x∣,∣y∣)=12 \max(|x|, |y|) = 2 \implies \max(|x|, |y|) = 1

Since xx and yy must be integers, x,y∈{−1,0,1}x, y \in \{-1, 0, 1\} such that at least one of ∣x∣|x| or ∣y∣|y| equals 11.

The total number of pairs (x,y)(x, y) formed by elements from {−1,0,1}\{-1, 0, 1\} is 3×3=93 \times 3 = 9.

Only the pair (0,0)(0, 0) gives max⁡(∣0∣,∣0∣)=0≠1\max(|0|, |0|) = 0 \neq 1.

Therefore, there are 9−1=89 - 1 = 8 integer solutions.

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