Question

Solve for x: |2x+6| -4 = 20

Answer 1

|2x + 6| - 4 = 20

First, add 4 to both sides. / Your problem should look like: |2x + 6| = 20 + 4
Second, simplify 20 + 4 to 24. / Your problem should look like: |2x + 6| = 24
Third, break down the problem into these 2 equations. / 2x + 6 = 24 and -(2x + 6) = 24
Fourth, solve the 1st equation: 2x + 6 = 24
Subtract 6 from both sides. / Your problem should look like: 2x = 24 - 6
Simplify 24 - 6 to 18. / Your problem should look like: 2x = 18
Divide both sides by 2. / Your problem should look like: x = $\frac{18}{2}$
Simplify $\frac{18}{2}$ to 9 / Your problem should look like: x = 9
Fifth, solve the 2nd equation: -(2x + 6) = 24
Simplify brackets. / Your problem should look like: -2x - 6 = 24
Add 6 to both sides. / Your problem should look like: -2x = 24 + 6
Simplify 24 + 6 to 30. / Your problem should look like: -2x = 30
Divide both sides by -2. / Your problem should look like: x = $\frac{30}{-2}$
Simplify $\frac{30}{-2}$ to $- \frac{30}{2}$ / Your problem should look like: x = $-\frac{30}{2}$
Simplify $\frac{30}{2}$ to 15. / Your problem should look like: x = -15
Sixth, collect all of your solutions. / Your problem should look like: x = -15, 9

Answer: x = -15, 9 (C)