How do you solve #abs(15-2x)=8#?

1 Answer
Jim G.
Apr 6, 2017

#x=7/2" or " x=23/2#

Explanation:

There are 2 possible solutions to this type of equation.

Removing the 'bars' gives.

#15-2x=color(red)(+-)8#

#• " solve " 15-2x=color(red)(+)8#

subtract 15 to both sides.

#cancel(15)cancel(-15)-2x=8-15#

#rArr-2x=-7#

divide both side by - 2

#(cancel(-2) x)/cancel(-2)=(-7)/(-2)#

#rArrx=7/2#

#• " solve " 15-2x=color(red)(-)8#

#rArr-2x=-23#

#rArrx=23/2#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

Substitute these values into the left side of the equation and if equal to the right side then they are the solutions.

#|15-2xx7/2|=|8|=8#

#|15-2xx23/2|=|-8|=8#

#rArrx=7/2" or " x=23/2" are the solutions"#

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