Help with this problem? I keep plugging in (-7) as the value for "x" but I get a different answer each time. Anyway, here: If f(x) = 9 − 2|x + 2|, find f(−7).

Question

freckles · Answer

9-2|-7+2|

freckles · Answer

and you know -7+2=?

freckles · Answer

9-2|-7+2|
First step: Add -7 and 2. (This is a sum so I will refer to it as a sum)
Second step: Take the absolute value of that sum.
Third step: Multiply the result in second step by -2
Fourth step: Add the result in third step by 9.

We can go though little by little though.
first what is -7+2?

anonymous · Answer

What do you mean "plug in"? Are you using a calculator? @freckles

freckles · Answer

huh? I don't need a calculator ...

freckles · Answer

it is just basic arithmetic

freckles · Answer

and order of operations

anonymous · Answer

Then how do you get a different answer? Start with the value in the absolute bars.

freckles · Answer

I didn't give an answer

anonymous · Answer

-7+2 is -5, but it is in absolutes so the value is 5. New equation is:$$x=9-2(5)$$

I usually rewrite all equations to remove the - and make it addition of a negative instead of minus.

anonymous · Answer

@freckles Sorry, I thought you were OP.

anonymous · Answer

@freckles, Yeah, I thought you posted the question.  Sorry about that.