SOLUTION: i need help with absolute numbers. [3x+2]+4=9

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Question 3290: i need help with absolute numbers.
[3x+2]+4=9
Answer by drglass(89) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have the equation |3x + 2| + 4 = 9. Before we worry about the stuff in the absolute value, let's reduce the equation by subtracting 4 from either side.

|3x + 2| + 4 - 4 = 9 - 4, which reduces to |3x + 2| = 5.

What numbers can be in the absolute value sign? You should guess 5 and -5, right. That is |5| = 5 and |-5| = 5. This means, 3x + 2 must equal either 5 or -5.

So how do we find the values for x?

3x + 2 = 5 and

3x + 2 = -5.

x = 1 satisfies the first case (3(1) + 2 = 5) and x = -%287%2F3%29 satifies the second equation. Therefore, x = 1 and x = -%287%2F3%29 satisfies the equation.