Question

Solve for x: |2x + 12| = 18

Answer 1

|2x + 12| = 18

First, break down the problem into 2 equations . / 2x + 12 = 18 and -(2x + 12) = 18
Second, solve the first equation. / $2x + 12 = 18$
Subtract 12 from both sides. / $2x = 18 - 12$
Subtract 18 - 16. / $2x = 6$
Divide both sides by 2. / $x = \frac{6}{2}$
Simplify. / $x = 3$
Third, solve the second equation. / -(2x + 12) = 18
Simplify your brackets. / $-2x - 12 = 18$
Add 12 to both sides. / $-2x = 18 + 12$
Add 18 + 12. / $-2x = 30$
Divide both sides by -2. / $x = \frac{30}{-2}$
Simplify. / $x = -\frac{30}{2}$
Simplify. / $x = -15$
Fourth, collect the solutions. / $x = -15,3$

Answer: x = -15, 3