Question

Can someone explain the steps for solving the following equation please. Solve for x: -3|x + 7| = -12

Answer 1

The first thing you are going to do is isolate the absolute value of x+7. How do you get rid of the -3?

Answer 2

+3

Answer 3

Distributive property?

Answer 4

It's multiplied by the absolute value. How do you "undo" multiplication? What is its opposite?

Answer 5

Division. I'm smart at math but don't understand absolute value

Answer 6

You would only distribute the -3 in if those were parentheses. But they are absolute values signs.

Answer 7

Ok, you're right...division it is. So divide both sides by the -3 and what do you get?

Answer 8

|x+7| = -4