Question

The heat in the house is set to keep the minimum and maximum temperatures (in degrees Fahrenheit) according to the equation |x – 72.5| = 4. What are the minimum and maximum temperatures in the house?

72.5°F and 76.5°F
68.5°F and 76.5°F
70.5°F and 74.5°F
72.5°F and 74.5°F

Answer 1

Let's solve your equation step-by-step.
|x−72.5|=4
Solve Absolute Value.
|x−72.5|=4
We know eitherx−72.5=4orx−72.5=−4
x−72.5=4(Possibility 1)
x−72.5+72.5=4+72.5(Add 72.5 to both sides)
x=76.5
x−72.5=−4(Possibility 2)
x−72.5+72.5=−4+72.5(Add 72.5 to both sides)
x=68.5
Answer:
x=76.5 or x=68.5