How do you solve abs(1/2x+4)=6?

1 Answer
Mar 21, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

The absolute value function takes any term and transforms it to its non-negative form. Therefore, we must solve the term within the absolute value function for both its negative and positive equivalent.

Solution 1:

1/2x + 4 = -6

1/2x + 4 - color(red)(4) = -6 - color(red)(4)

1/2x + 0 = -10

1/2x = -10

color(red)(2) xx 1/2x = color(red)(2) xx -10

color(red)(2)/2x = -20

1x = -20

x = -20

Solution 2:

1/2x + 4 = 6

1/2x + 4 - color(red)(4) = 6 - color(red)(4)

1/2x + 0 = 2

1/2x = 2

color(red)(2) xx 1/2x = color(red)(2) xx 2

color(red)(2)/2x = 4

1x = 4

x = 4

The Solution Set Is: x = {-20, 4}