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Question 1039: Piecewise Branch of Absolute Value

On this page
  1. Original question and givens
  2. Definition and scope
  3. Step-by-step derivation
  4. Reverse checks
  5. Result
  6. This question review and source binding

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R0001-01039 · q-20260928-absolute-value-piecewise-branch-0014

Original question and givens

For the real number x=-1, which branch of the piecewise definition of |x| applies?

  • G001 — For the real number x=-1, which branch of the piecewise definition of |x| applies?

Definition and scope

Use the original question domain, assumptions and cited MKO definitions. This item has second-context mathematical and bilingual review, with the model, answer and every arithmetic step independently recomputed from the original parameters; the source question remains a candidate.

Step-by-step derivation

S001 · implies

Before

x∈R

After

|x|=x if x≥0; |x|=−x if x<0

Conditions: none

The sign branches cover every real number, with0 in the nonnegative branch.

Step identifiers and dependencies

Rule: absolute_definition · Uses: G001

S002 · implies

Before

x=-1

After

x≥0: No

Conditions: none

Determine the sign of the given value rather than guessing from a picture.

Step identifiers and dependencies

Rule: sign_test · Uses: G001, S001

S003 · implies

Before

x=-1

After

negative branch -x

Conditions: none

Zero satisfies the nonnegative condition; only negative values use −x.

Step identifiers and dependencies

Rule: select_absolute_branch · Uses: G001, S002

S004 · calculation

Before

absolute value := mul(-1, -1)

After

absolute value = 1

Conditions: none

Multiply by1 or −1 according to the selected branch to obtain a nonnegative value.

Step identifiers and dependencies

Rule: exact_rational_arithmetic · Uses: G001, S003

S005 · implies

Before

|x|=1

After

result≥0: Yes

Conditions: none

Verify nonnegativity to avoid a negative result from the negative branch.

Step identifiers and dependencies

Rule: absolute_result_guard · Uses: G001, S004

Reverse checks

  • S005 · premise_and_result_audit — Check against the original data and this step's premises; a one-way implication is not an equivalence.
  • S004 · premise_and_result_audit — Recompute absolute value with exact rational arithmetic, not rounded decimals.
  • S003 · premise_and_result_audit — Check against the original data and this step's premises; a one-way implication is not an equivalence.
  • S002 · premise_and_result_audit — Check against the original data and this step's premises; a one-way implication is not an equivalence.
  • S001 · premise_and_result_audit — Use ≥0 rather than >0 so that0 is not omitted.

Result

negative branch -x

The full substitutions and premise checks give the original answer; source identity,format and status are unchanged.

This question review and source binding

Review date: 2026-10-26

Original questions, answers, step expressions, numeric ASTs and historical records are retained. Source candidate labels remain historical and are not overwritten as formal proof.

Source hashes and review receipts
  • input commit: 0f7be61e2c22317a4075561dc822c87d881a50db
  • original question SHA-256: 88c46e689740ba253b0e341f1936416b51f5892946fbc46d85cd3658722117a8
  • candidate record SHA-256: e31e4b052680ba1ec70950dfcfb134fb0dfeee709abd3658cb6efbed33973e37
  • semantic review receipt SHA-256: c3b44ce8ed60ada6902fb206627537d5f90ba2a867eaba43a36f903280c496cc
  • question-first witness SHA-256: 3e91602adc7f81a2671a2a3ffaf6a447028b56abc5853e8271673d76f30cd7ad
  • Lean: NOT_RUN · human review: NOT_PERFORMED
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