Question

Solve for x: −5|x + 1| = 10

Answer 1

-5 is negative. |x+1| is always positive or zero. Can the product of those two be a positive number for any value of x?

Answer 2

yes? I think but am also confused why is it always positive or zero?

Answer 3

That is what the absolute bar does. |-8| = 8
So the absolute operator turns negative values to positive values.

Answer 4

−5|x + 1| = 10
divide both sides by -5
|x+1| = -2

Answer 5

wait it cant be -2

Answer 6

Yes |x+1| can never be a negative number.
So |x+1| = -2 has NO solution. There is no value of x, positive, zero or negative that would make |x+1| equal negative two.

So there is no solution to this problem.

Answer 7

oh srry I see now thanks again