Absolute value less than k is a strip between −k and k. Absolute value greater than k is two rays outside that strip. |x| < 3 means −3 < x < 3. |x| > 3 means x < −3 or x > 3. Absolute value as a set is in absolute value.
Less is and, greater is or
Isolate the absolute value first, then split. Inequalities without the bars are in inequalities. Graphs of the V are in absolute-value graphs.
The short list is in ACT Math formulas.
The bottom line
Less than: AND a middle interval. Greater than: OR two outer rays.
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