Chapter 2: Problem 3
Solve the equation. \(|4-x|=7\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are \(x = -3\) and \(x = 11\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definition of Absolute Value
The absolute value \(|a|\) represents the distance of 'a' from 0 on the number line and is always positive. Therefore, \(|4-x|=7\) means that the expression \(4-x\) can be either 7 or -7.
02
Solve the Positive Case
Assume \(4-x=7\). Solve for \(x\) by subtracting 4 from both sides:\[4-x=7 \-x = 7 - 4 \-x = 3 \x = -3\]
03
Solve the Negative Case
Assume \(4-x=-7\). Solve for \(x\) by subtracting 4 from both sides:\[4-x=-7 \-x = -7 - 4 \-x = -11 \x = 11\]
04
Verify the Solutions
Substitute \(x = -3\) back into the original equation: \[|4 - (-3)| = |4 + 3| = 7\], which holds true.Substitute \(x = 11\) back into the original equation: \[|4 - 11| = |-7| = 7\], which also holds true. Both values satisfy the equation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value
Absolute value is a fundamental concept in mathematics often symbolized by vertical bars, like this:
- \(|a|\) represents the absolute value of \(a\).
- The absolute value denotes the distance from zero on the number line without considering direction.
- It is always a non-negative value, so \(|a|\) is the positive 'magnitude' of \(a\).
- \(|5| = 5\)
- \(|-5| = 5\)
Distance on a Number Line
Distance on a number line is a straightforward way to understand absolute value equations.
- It focuses on how far an expression is from zero.
- This makes solving absolute value equations intuitive, as we think about potential 'distances' the number could be.
- It can be +7 (right direction) or -7 (left direction).
Positive and Negative Cases
Solving absolute value equations typically requires exploring both positive and negative scenarios.
- We start by assuming the expression inside the absolute value can be positive.
- We then assume that the same expression could also be negative.
- First, assume \(4-x=7\):
By solving, we get \(x = -3\). - Then, consider \(4-x=-7\):
Solving results in \(x = 11\).
Equation Verification
Verification is the final step in solving equations, ensuring that our solutions are accurate.
- It's critical as it checks if substitutions fulfill the original equation.
- This prevents errors, confirming the proposed solutions.
- Plugging \(x = -3\):
\(|4 - (-3)| = |4 + 3| = 7\) - Substituting \(x = 11\):
\(|4 - 11| = |-7| = 7\)