What is the solution set of -abs(-x)=-12?

1 Answer
smendyka
Dec 17, 2016

x = -12 and x = 12

Explanation:

First, we must isolate the absolute value term while keeping the equation balanced:

-1 xx -abs(-x) = -1 xx -12

abs(-x) = 12

Now, because the absolute value function takes a positive or a negative number and transforms it to a positive number. we must solve the term within the absolute value for both the positive and negative of the term on the other side of the equation:

Solution 1)

-x = 12

-1 xx -x = -1 xx 12

x = -12

Solution 2)

-x = -12

-1 xx -x = -1 xx -12

x = 12

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