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From a<b and c<d, may one conclude a−c<b−d? Give a counterexample.

Read the idea, work independently, then explain what changed.

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高一必修 第一册(A版).pdf · 2.1 · PDF 44 / printed page 37

Revisit first: Universal and existential quantifiers

TOPIC 01

Properties of equalities and inequalities

Build understanding of properties of equalities and inequalities through definitions, contrasting cases and justified applications.

What you will be able to explain

  • Apply properties of equalities and inequalities with explicit conditions.
  • Connect representations and justify the steps, including boundary cases.
  • Explain a solution and apply the idea to a changed situation.

Try it. Leave your reasoning visible.

Use one hint at a time. A correction explains what changed, not just the final answer.

01 / Standard#Your turn

From a<b and c<d, may one conclude a−c<b−d? Give a counterexample.

  • Use the domain, units and sampling assumptions stated in the question.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Subtraction reverses the comparison involving the subtracted terms.
Hint 2
Test a large gap between c and d.
Worked solution
  1. Subtraction reverses the comparison involving the subtracted terms.

  2. Calculate or simplify this relation.

    0<1,0<3,0−0=0>−2=1−30<1,\quad0<3,\quad0-0=0>-2=1-3
  3. Inequalities may be added in the same direction, but not arbitrarily subtracted.

No; take a=0,b=1,c=0,d=3.

Checks and common pitfalls: Inequalities may be added in the same direction, but not arbitrarily subtracted.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State the relevant definition, condition or model.
  • Show a valid calculation, proof or counterexample.
  • Interpret the conclusion with its restrictions.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

Focus on one question

Teacher preparation and assessment

Question sequence

  • What must be true before using the main rule for properties of equalities and inequalities?
  • Which representation makes this task easier, and why?
  • Change one assumption. Does the conclusion survive?

Board plan

  • Apply properties of equalities and inequalities with explicit conditions.
  • Order: Adding a common number preserves order; multiplying by a negative reverses it.
  • Legal transformations: Check divisors, signs and boundary cases.
  • Close with: conditions → representation → reasoning → check.

Anticipated thinking

  • Expected reasoning: Adding a common number preserves order; multiplying by a negative reverses it.
  • Expected reasoning: Check divisors, signs and boundary cases.
  • Expected correction: Do not divide by a potentially zero expression.

Assessment checklist

  • 1: identify the givens and required quantity.
  • 1: choose a valid definition, representation or method.
  • 1: present connected, correct reasoning.
  • 1: check conditions and explain the result.

No sign-in. Work stays in this browser. Export before clearing browser data. Written reasoning is assessed with a checklist.

Curriculum and source notes ↗