Josefina started to solve for x in the equation

3.5 = 1.9 – 0.8|2x – 0.6| using the steps below:

3.5 = 1.9 – 0.8|2x – 0.6|
1.6 = –0.8|2x – 0.6|
–2 = |2x – 0.6|
Why did Josefina stop at Step 3?

Question

Josefina started to solve for x in the equation

3.5 = 1.9 – 0.8|2x – 0.6| using the steps below:

3.5 = 1.9 – 0.8|2x – 0.6|
1.6 = –0.8|2x – 0.6|
–2 = |2x – 0.6|
Why did Josefina stop at Step 3?

werewolf · Answer

@Gdeinward

DuarteME · Answer

Do you have any ideas about the answer?

For instance, let $u = 2x - 0.6$.  Do you know any number $u$ such that $|u| = -2$? Do you find anything strange about this equation?

werewolf · Answer

no, but if you talk to this person he can tell you @Gdeinward

Gdeinward · Answer

Well DuarteMe, He was trying to give a clue but it was a bit complicated. As you can see the equation is an absolute value once it was simplified to step 3. As you know absolute value is never negative. Can you see?