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Defining a function using common notation for absolute value (not Abs[x])

  • To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
  • Subject: [mg112727] Defining a function using common notation for absolute value (not Abs[x])
  • From: Gianni <accardi at accardi.com>
  • Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:06:02 -0400 (EDT)

Please refer to:

http://www.accardi.com/tutor/AbsoluteValueNotationSnapShot.bmp

Thanks in advance for any help here.


In ASCII:

The given function to work with:  f(x) = (3^-|x|)

Define it in Mathematica:

f[x_]:=3^-Abs[x]

f[x_]:=3^-|x|

Syntax::tsntxi: "|x|" is incomplete; more input is needed.

Syntax::sntxi: Incomplete expression; more input is needed.

I am trying to display the absolute value exponent in the second
function definition above in the way students will see it in a
standard math text (with the vertical bars, not Abs, like in the first
text line).  The first definition above is without error (exponent
shown as -Abs[x]).  The second is what I am trying to define without
error.  I am trying to find the button (hopefully on the classroom
assistant palette) that will produce the desired results.  The button
in the Typesetting section of the Classroom Assistant won't be
implemented as an error free function definition as you see in the
error messages.

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