Carcass wrote:
If |a| + |b| = |a + b|, a ≠ 0, and b ≠ 0, then which of the following must be true?
A. ab < 0
B. ab > 0
C. a - b > 0
D. a + b < 0
E. a + b > 0
Kudos for the right answer and explanation
The concept to be used: For all \(a\) and \(b\), we have: \(|a| + |b| ≥ |a + b|\)
For example:
#1. \(a = 2, b = 3 : |a| + |b| = |2| + |3| = 2 + 3 = 5\) and \(|a + b| = |2 + 3| = 5\) => \(|a| + |b| = |a + b|\)
#2. \(a = -2, b = -3 : |a| + |b| = |-2| + |-3| = 2 + 3 = 5\) and \(|a + b| = |-2 - 3| = 5\) => \(|a| + |b| = |a + b|\)
#3. \(a = -2, b = 3 : |a| + |b| = |-2| + |3| = 2 + 3 = 5\) and \(|a + b| = |-2 + 3| = 1\) => \(|a| + |b| > |a + b|\)
Note:
# \(|a| + |b| = |a + b|\) if \(a\) and \(b\) are of the same sign
# \(|a| + |b| > |a + b|\) if \(a\) and \(b\) are of opposite signs
We have been given that: \(|a| + |b| = |a + b|\) => \(a\) and \(b\) are of the same sign
Thus, \(a*b > 0\)
Answer B