Chapter 8: Problem 32
Solve. $$ |x-3|=8 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are \( x = 11 \) and \( x = -5 \).
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Absolute Value
The absolute value equation \( |x-3| = 8 \) states that the expression inside the absolute value can be either positive or negative. This means \( x-3 \) can equal 8 or \( x-3 \) can equal -8.
02
- Set Up Two Equations
Set up two separate equations to account for both possible values of the absolute value expression: 1) \( x-3 = 8 \) 2) \( x-3 = -8 \)
03
- Solve the First Equation
Solve the equation \( x-3 = 8 \) for \( x \). Add 3 to both sides: \[ x - 3 + 3 = 8 + 3 \] \[ x = 11 \]
04
- Solve the Second Equation
Solve the equation \( x-3 = -8 \) for \( x \). Add 3 to both sides: \[ x - 3 + 3 = -8 + 3 \] \[ x = -5 \]
05
- State the Solutions
The solutions to the equation \( |x-3| = 8 \) are \( x = 11 \) and \( x = -5 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Absolute Value
Absolute value refers to the distance a number is from 0 on a number line. No matter whether the number is positive or negative, its absolute value is always non-negative. For instance, the absolute value of both 5 and -5 is 5.
When solving absolute value equations, like \(|x-3|=8\), you need to consider two scenarios:
When solving absolute value equations, like \(|x-3|=8\), you need to consider two scenarios:
- First, the expression inside the absolute value (\(x-3\)) can be equal to 8.
- Second, the expression inside the absolute value (\(x-3\)) can be equal to -8 because the absolute value of -8 is also 8.
Solving Linear Equations
Linear equations are a type of equation where the highest power of the variable (usually represented by \(x\)) is 1. They are called linear because they represent a straight line when graphed.
In the context of absolute value equations, solving the linear equations is straightforward. Let's take our earlier equations from the absolute value example:
1. \(x - 3 = 8\)
2. \(x - 3 = -8\)
For both, you solve for \(x\) by isolating it on one side of the equation. Here's how:
In the context of absolute value equations, solving the linear equations is straightforward. Let's take our earlier equations from the absolute value example:
1. \(x - 3 = 8\)
2. \(x - 3 = -8\)
For both, you solve for \(x\) by isolating it on one side of the equation. Here's how:
- In the first situation, add 3 to both sides to obtain \(x = 11\).
- In the second situation, add 3 to both sides to get \(x = -5\).
Algebraic Solution Methods
When solving absolute value equations, algebraic solution methods involve manipulating the equation algebraically to isolate the variable.
For an equation like \(|x-3|=8\), first, understand the nature of absolute value. Then, set up two separate equations to represent the possible values inside the absolute value.
Next, solve each linear equation step-by-step:
This method ensures that all possible solutions are considered, providing a thorough approach to solving absolute value equations.
For an equation like \(|x-3|=8\), first, understand the nature of absolute value. Then, set up two separate equations to represent the possible values inside the absolute value.
Next, solve each linear equation step-by-step:
- Linear equation 1: \(x - 3 = 8\): Add 3 to both sides: \x = 11\.
- Linear equation 2: \(x - 3 = -8\): Add 3 to both sides: \x = -5\.
This method ensures that all possible solutions are considered, providing a thorough approach to solving absolute value equations.