Solve for x: −3|x + 7| = −12

x = 5 over 3, x = −19 over 3

x = −3, x = −11

x = −3, x = 11

No solution

Question

Solve for x: −3|x + 7| = −12

 x = 5 over 3, x = −19 over 3

 x = −3, x = −11

 x = −3, x = 11

 No solution

anonymous · Answer

@phi

texaschic101 · Answer

-3 | x + 7 | = -12
to start, we want the absolute value sign and everything in it on one side, and everything else on the other side. So we will first divide both sides by -3.

giving us : | x + 7|  = 4
you following me so far ?

texaschic101 · Answer

| x + 7 | = 4

now we get 2 equations from this...
x + 7 = 4 and -(x + 7) = 4

now lets solve them...
x + 7 = 4              -(x + 7) = 4 
x = 4 - 7               -x - 7 = 4
x = -3                   -x = 4 + 7
                             -x = 11
                              x = -11

so our solutions are : x = -3 and x = -11

anonymous · Answer

Divide? Okay, yes I am following.

texaschic101 · Answer

yes...you have to get that -3 to the other side...and to do that, we divide...thus getting rid of the -3 on the left side.
leaving you with : | x + 7| = 4

then turn it into 2 equations...x + 7 = 4 and - (x = 7) = 4

and the solutions are : x = -3 and -11
any questions ?

texaschic101 · Answer

oops...-(x + 7) = 4....sorry about that typo

anonymous · Answer

Okay, so our two possible solutions can be + or -?