| x + a | = | x + a | As given in the question x=3 or x=9, replace first x by 3 and the other x by 9 | 3 + a | = | 9 + a | 3 + a = - ( 9 + a) 3 + a = -9 - a (Solving for a ) 2a = -12 a = -12/2 a= -6 now, | x + a | = | 3 - 6 | = |-3| = 3 | x + a | = | 9 - 6 | = |3| = 3 Therefore, the answer is | x - 6 | = 3