Day 59 and 60 – November 18, 19

Algebra 1a: Chapter 3, Lesson 8, page 145.

Solving Equations Involving Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number, `|x|` is its distance from zero on the number line. Remember that the absolute value is always positive. Treat absolute value equations just like those without absolute value and then solve them as normal. At the VERY END, put the absolute value symbols back in and see if the answer has ANOTHER solution.

Remember too, that we cannot have an absolute value be NEGATIVE. In these cases, there is NO SOLUTION. For example:

`|x| + 2 = 12`

`|x| + 2 + (-2) = 12 + (-2)`, we subtract 2 from both sides to isolate the variable, x

`|x| = 10`, we simplify the right side and finally,

`x=10` or `x=-10` are the solutions

This is a good purplemath.com link with examples.

Two of tonight’s homework problems solved by MrE are here! Just click it!

This entry was posted in Algebra 1a. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *