How do you solve #|2n + 15| = 1#?

1 Answer
smendyka
Dec 17, 2016

#n = -7# and #n = -8#

Explanation:

Because the absolute value function transforms both negative and positive numbers to positive numbers, we need to solve the term within the absolute value for both the positive and negative form for the term on the other side of the equation:

Solution 1)

#2n + 15 = 1#

#2n + 15 - 15 = 1 - 15#

#2n + 0 = -14#

#2n = -14#

#(2n)/2 = (-14)/2#

#n = -7#

Solution 2)

#2n + 15 = -1#

#2n + 15 - 15 = -1 - 15#

#2n + 0 = -16#

#2n = -16#

#(2n)/2 = (-16)/2#

#n = -8#

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