| 4 - 2x | = 14
can you explain how to do this?

Question

anonymous · Answer

yes.  you want to get rid of the absolute values signs so you can solve a linear equation.  the way you do that is to write 
$$4-2x=14$$ OR 
$$4-2x=-14$$ since the absolute value of both 14 and -14 is 14

anonymous · Answer

then you solve the two linear equations separately and get two possible answers

anonymous · Answer

if you are like me and would prefer to see 
$$2x-4=14$$ and 
$$2x-4=-14$$ you can do that as well.  with a little experience you will see that 
$$|a-b|=|b-a|$$ so you are permitted to change 
$$|4-2x|=|2x-4|$$of course it makes no difference either way will work

anonymous · Answer

ok I think I get it

anonymous · Answer

x = 3.5, -7?

anonymous · Answer

do just what they told you to do.  and uyoull get it right every time.