The rules for removing the absolute value bars in inequalities are 1. can be rewritten as 2. can be rewritten as 3. can be rewritten as 4. can be rewritten as Your problem: is case 4. can be rewritten as Add to both sides in both parts: <==========@-----------------------@=========> -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Edwin