I have totally forgotten how to do these math problems. Can someone by chance help refresh my memory? Solve l x-3 l is greater or equal to 5 and graph the solution set on the x axis.

Question

I have totally forgotten how to do these math problems.  Can someone by chance help refresh my memory?  Solve l x-3 l is greater or equal to 5 and graph the solution set on the x axis.

jamesj · Answer

What's the definition of |x|?

anonymous · Answer

It does not say.

jamesj · Answer

|x| = x,  if x > 0
     = 0 , if x = 0
     = -x, if x < 0

jamesj · Answer

look familiar?

anonymous · Answer

no not yet.  Wouldn't you solve it like a regular equation?

jamesj · Answer

You need to go back and learn what absolute value means.  Then you'll be equipped to solve a problem like
$$ |x-3| \geq 5 $$

anonymous · Answer

|dw:1326227921232:dw|  Is this how you would solve it?

jamesj · Answer

I just gave you the definition.  You should play around with it.  

What, for example, is the solution to 
$$ |x-1| = 2 $$

anonymous · Answer

Ok I guess I will have to go back and re-read my definitions.  Thank you

anonymous · Answer

|dw:1326239695371:dw|