Question

for the equation |-1 + x| = 5
would the answer be four or six? I can't figure it out.

Answer 1

the vertical lines around the left side of the equation mean the absolute value - that means the positive value is taken even if the inside part is negative

Answer 2

so we write 2 equations
-1 + x = 5 and -1 + x = -5

solve these 2 for x

Answer 3

@welshfella I know! I got 4 from that but my friend whose on the same lesson said it was 6 so i'm slightly confused

Answer 4

there are 2 solutions
-1 + x = 5
gives x = 6
and
-x + 1 = -5 gives x = -4

Answer 5

sorry the last ones is wron
-x + 1 = -5
-x = -4
x = 4

Answer 6

so the 2 solutions are 4 and 6

Answer 7

i believe its -4, 6

Answer 8

should i put both as an answer then?

Answer 9

yes -1+x=-5
should give x=-5+1

Answer 10

both are correct

Answer 11

yes - i made a typo when i wrote the second equation down

Answer 12

|-1+x|=5
gives
-1+x=5 or -1+x=-5

Answer 13

yes i wrote -x + 1 = -5 instead of -1 + x = -5

Answer 14

-4 , 6 is correct