Absolute Value Equations

• -2

• 2

• 4

• -3

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

What is the first step to solve the following equation?

-2|x + 3| = -10

• Set up 2 equations

  -2(x + 3) = 10

  -2(x + 3) = -10

• Add 2 to both sides

• Subtract 3 from both sides

• Divide by -2 on both sides

• No Solution

When do you set up 2 equations?

|x + 2| + 3 = 4

• That is the first step.

• After you subtract 3 from both sides.

• After you add 2 and 3.