Solving Absolute Value Equations

• -2

• 2

• 4

• -3

• 8
  

• -8

• 15

• -15

What is the FIRST step to solving the equation:

|x + 1| = 4

• Set up 2 equations

  x + 1 = 4

  x + 1 = -4

• Subtract 1 on both sides

• Set up 2 equations:

  x + 1 = 4

  x - 1 = 4

• Add 1 to both sides