What is the range of solutions for |x^2-4| >3x ?

[Blackbox]

Unfortunately, I cannot remember where I saw this problem and therefore cannot cite the source. But I swear this is neither from any of the listed banned sources nor from any shady place :)

What is the range of solutions for |x^2-4| > 3x ?

I solved it like this: http://s25.postimg.org/a9mppfx0v/Graph.png and evidently, it yields an incorrect solution. What am I missing here?

As it is, inequalities get on me nerves and add to that an absolute operator. Gee... does GMAT ever get any easier on people?

[Blackbox]

Bumping up for moderator's attention.

[PetriF258]

No Pro, but I noticed something and remembered something else.

I've noticed that Ron sometimes take a moment to look at the question before he begins. This approached has helped a lot, especially when I have no clue what to do. So looking at this question, the left hand side must be greater or equal to zero (absolute value). So if x is negative, the right hand side is negative and the equation holds. No matter what you do, if x is negative, the right side is negative, and the equation holds as the left must be zero or greater than zero. Therefore, if x<0, the equation holds.

Secondly, I have no idea what that squigly graph means :-) The approach I have used is to identify the critical points, as you have done, and then test a number between each of the critical points to see if the equation holds. Let's do this:

Critical points: -4, -1, 1, 4

-5: equation holds; x < -4
-3: equation holds; -4 <= x < -1
0: equation holds; -1 <= x < 1 THUS FAR x < 1
2: dost not work, x is not between 1 and 4
5: equation holds; x > 4

Thus x<1 or x>4:

Is this the correct answer?

[RonPurewal]

Unfortunately, I cannot remember where I saw this problem and therefore cannot cite the source.

sorry; we can't use it, then. the copyright stuff is a big deal.

[RonPurewal]

also, this problem does not resemble a GMAT item in any meaningful way whatsoever.

so...

Gee... does GMAT ever get any easier on people?

... it will ALWAYS be "easier", at least in terms of content. you will NEVER have to solve something with this degree of mathematical complexity.

[RonPurewal]

Bumping up for moderator's attention.

... and if you do this ^^ then you're just delaying "moderator's attention".

we answer the posts within each folder from oldest to newest. so, the only thing you're accomplishing by "bumping" is to make your post the newest one (= the LAST one) again.