Solving Absolute Value Equations & Inequalities

Absolute Value (of x)

Symbol lxl The distance x is from 0 on the number line. Always positive Ex: l-3l=3

-4

-3

-2

-1

Ex: x = 5
What are the possible values of x? x=5 or x = -5

To solve an absolute value equation:

ax+b = c, where c>0 To solve, set up 2 new equations, then solve each equation. ax+b = c or ax+b = -c

** make sure the absolute value is by itself before you split to solve.

Ex: Solve 6x-3 = 15

6x-3 = 15 or 6x = 18 or x = 3 or 6x-3 = -15 6x = -12 x = -2

* Plug in answers to check your solutions!

Ex: Solve 2x + 7 -3 = 8
Get the abs. value part by itself first! 2x+7 = 11 Now split into 2 parts. 2x+7 = 11 or 2x+7 = -11 2x = 4 or 2x = -18 x = 2 or x = -9 Check the solutions.

Solving Absolute Value Inequalities

1. ax+b < c, where c>0 Becomes an and problem Changes to: c<ax+b<c 2. ax+b > c, where c>0 Becomes an or problem Changes to: ax+b>c or ax+b<-c

Ex: Solve & graph.

4x 9 21
Becomes an and problem

21 4x 9 21

12 4x 30
15 3 x 2
-3 7 8

Solve & graph.

Get absolute value by itself first.

3x 2 3 11

3x 2 8
Becomes an or problem

3x 2 8 or 3x 2 8
3x 10 or 3x 6
10 x or x 2 3
-2 3 4