Answer:
x = - , x =
Step-by-step explanation:
The absolute value function always gives a positive value, however, the expression inside can be positive or negative, that is
- 3x + 16 = 18 or -(- 3x + 16) = 18
Solving
- 3x + 16 = 18 ( subtract 16 from both sides )
- 3x = 2 ( divide both sides by - 3 )
x = -
or
-(- 3x + 16) = 18
3x - 16 = 18 ( add 16 to both sides )
3x = 34 ( divide both sides by 3 )
x =
As a check
Substitute these values into the left side of the equation and if equal to the right side then they are the solutions.
| - 3(- ) + 16 | = | 2 + 16 | = | 18 | = 18 ← True
| - 3( ) + 16 | = | - 34 + 16 | = | - 18 | = 18 ← True
Thus x = - and x =
are the solutions