Question

Solve for x: |x|-8 =-5

Answer 1

try to isolate |x| first

should be easy, right?

Answer 2

Idk I don't understand this

Answer 3

abs can be thought of as an operation that you can move.
So if you isolate the variables from the numerical components you can abs the numeric value.
\[\left| x \right|-8=-5\]
\[\left| x \right| = -5+8\]
\[\left| x \right| = 3\]
\[x = \left| 3 \right|\]
\[x=3\]

Answer 4

But shouldn't there be another answer

Answer 5

well, if the answer on the right was negative when |x|=-5+8 then yes, there could be two answers (the negative and positive answer) however, this is more of a nameing/teaching thing and isnt actually true.