Solve for x: |x + 2| + 16 = 14

Question

mathmale · Answer

Let's review "absolute value."  What do you know about the absolute value function?

rebeccaxhawaii · Answer

^^

rebeccaxhawaii · Answer

absolute value is || signs ? what do they do?

anonymous · Answer

@mathmale  Not much. I know that if an equation is equal to a positive number you'll get two solutions and things like that. I don't know how to begin solving this.

mathmale · Answer

Another way in which to ask my question:  Are there ay restricions on the output of absolutel value expressions?

mathmale · Answer

Domain:  all real numbers.
Range:  ... ?

mathmale · Answer

How would you respond if I gave you this:   {x-1}=-5   ??

anonymous · Answer

@mathmale I would say that I don't know how to do this. I know nothing about math, honestly...

mathmale · Answer

The abs. value function MUST return a result that is either zero or greater than zero.

So:  (x-1)=-5 is false / impossible.  No solutions.

You are given    |x + 2| + 16 = 14

mathmale · Answer

We'll try to isolate x.  to do this, subtract 16 from both sides.
What result do you get?

anonymous · Answer

-14?

mathmale · Answer

Yes.  Think carefully.  Is that OK?

mathmale · Answer

Review what I said about the absolute value function earlier.

anonymous · Answer

@mathmale thanks for the help! I got one of my teachers to explain it though and I understand it better now. (: