What is the minimum value of |x-4| + |x+7| + |x-5| ? Choose one:
A) - 3
B) 3
C) 5
D) - 12
E) 12

Rationale: "a can not be the answer as all the three terms are in modulus and hence the answer will be non negative . | x - 4 | > = 0 - - > minimum occurs at x = 4 | x + 7 | > = 0 - - > minimum occurs at x = - 7 | x - 5 | > = 0 - - > minimum occurs at x = 5 x = - 7 - - > result = 11 + 0 + 12 = 23 . also any negative value will push the combined value of | x - 4 | + | x - 5 | to a value > 9 . x = 4 - - > result = 0 + 11 + 1 = 12 x = 5 - - > result = 1 + 12 + 0 = 13 x = 7 - - > result = 3 + 14 + 2 = 19 so minimum value of the expression occurs at x = 4 and the resultant value = 12 answer : e"
Answer: E