Question

Can you solve problems using absolute value? @phi @jhonyy9 @dan815 @TuringTest @ganeshie8

Answer 1

When you take the absolute value of a number, you always end up with a positive number (or zero). Whether the input was positive or negative (or zero), the output is always positive (or zero).

Answer 2

So yes you can because if an answer is negative, just take its absolute value..

Answer 3

ohhhhh okay ty

Answer 4

You're welcome!

Answer 5

if you have
| complicated stuff | = other stuff
you write this as two equations, which you solve separately:
- ( complicated stuff) = other stuff <---notice the minus sign
and
complicated stuff = other stuff

Answer 6

example (not very complicated)
| x | = 2
we write two different equations
1) -x = 2
2) x= 2

for the 1st equation, multiply both sides by -1 to get
x= -2

the 2nd equation is already solved.
x= 2

those are the two solutions that work in the original equation.
Check:
| -2 | = 2 yes
| 2 | = 2 also true.

Answer 7

That's a better answer!^^

Answer 8

ohhhhhhhhhh tht makes better sense.

Answer 9

There is one thing to be careful of
| x | = -2

notice the right hand side is negative.
but the left side is *never* negative (because the absolute value makes the left positive)
that means this equation has no solution.

Answer 10

oh wow

Answer 11

thank you so much for helping me!