Solution
Related Formula
The function f(x), g(x) chooses the lower vertical path between the two curves at any coordinate x.
Core Logic
Analyze the conditions for the right-hand function |x-3|, |x+2|:
- The intersection of |x-3| = |x+2| happens at x - 3 = -(x + 2) ⇒ 2x = 1 ⇒ x = 0.5.
- For x ≤ 0.5, |x+2| ≤ |x-3| ⇒ = |x+2|.
- For x > 0.5, |x-3| ≤ |x+2| ⇒ = |x-3|.
Step 1: Check Interval x ≤ -2
Here, |x+2| = -(x+2) = -x-2:
x² + 3x + 2 = -x - 2 ⇒ x² + 4x + 4 = 0 (x+2)² = 0 ⇒ x = -2This is a valid solution as it lies precisely within the interval condition boundary.
Step 2: Check Interval -2 < x ≤ 0.5
Here, |x+2| = x+2:
x² + 3x + 2 = x + 2 ⇒ x² + 2x = 0 x(x+2) = 0 ⇒ x = 0 or x = -2Only x = 0 fits inside this interval.
Step 3: Check Interval x > 0.5
Here, = |x-3| = 3-x:
x² + 3x + 2 = 3 - x ⇒ x² + 4x - 1 = 0 x = -4 ± √(16 - 4(1)(-1))2 = -2 ± √(5)Evaluating values: -2 + √(5) ≈ 0.236, which does not satisfy x > 0.5. Thus, no real roots occur in this span.
Combining valid points, we find exactly 2 distinct real solutions (x = -2, 0).
Pattern Recognition
Sketching a rough visualization showing the parabola crossing below the sharp wedge of the combined absolute values makes it visually clear that there are exactly two crossing points, confirming the algebraic count.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Mathematics: Quadratic Equations Class 12 Mathematics: Limits, Continuity and Differentiability