Sign in
Please select an account to continue using cracku.in
↓ →
The number of distinct real values of x, satisfying the equation $$max \left\{x, 2\right\} - min\left\{x, 2\right\} = \mid x + 2 \mid - \mid x - 2 \mid$$, is
Correct Answer: 2
The expression on the right-hand side will have two critical points: 2 and -2
For any value of x greater than equal to 2, the equation changes to x+2-(x-2) = 4
the value of min{x,2} would be 2, so we would want max{x,2} to be 4+2 = 6
Therefore, x=6 works.
For any value of x less than equal to -2, the equation changes to -(x+2)+(x-2) = -4
the value of max{x,2} would be 2, so we would want min{x,2} to be 6 again; this cannot be the case.
In general, subtracting the smaller (min) of the two values from the bigger (max) can not lead to a negative number. The max it can lead to is a 0
When x lies between -2 and 2, the equation becomes 2x
The maximum function will give back 2, and the minimum function will give back x, with the right-hand side giving 2x
Solving this we would get 2-x = 2x which is x=2/3
Therefore, there are two real values of x for which the given equation holds.
Hence, 2 is the correct answer.
The graph of the function on the right hand side can be visualised as:
Hence, 2 is the correct answer.
Was this solution helpful?
Click on the Email ☝️ to Watch the Video Solution
Create a FREE account and get:
Book Free CAT Mentorship
Get personalized CAT strategy from a 99%iler
500+ students mentored
OTP Verification
Enter the 6-digit code sent to your phone
Booking Summary
Enter OTP
Didn't receive the OTP?
Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.
Educational materials for CAT preparation