SOLUTION: I need help with the meanings. i dont understand the problem to get an answer. the problem has straight lines where i am putting this instead (. (2m-4)=11 if there are lines doe

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: I need help with the meanings. i dont understand the problem to get an answer. the problem has straight lines where i am putting this instead (. (2m-4)=11 if there are lines doe      Log On


   

Question 299440: I need help with the meanings. i dont understand the problem to get an answer. the problem has straight lines where i am putting this instead (. (2m-4)=11
if there are lines does it mean the same as the quotaions(). would i start with the inside and work my way out or do i get rid of the m? please help
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Those vertical lines are absolute value bars.


abs%282m-4%29=11 Start with the given equation


Remember, if you have abs%28x%29=a, then x=-a or x=a


So this means that abs%282m-4%29=11 breaks down to:

2m-4=-11 or 2m-4=11




Now lets focus on the first equation 2m-4=-11


2m=-11%2B4 Add 4 to both sides


2m=-7 Combine like terms on the right side


m=%28-7%29%2F%282%29 Divide both sides by 2 to isolate m


m=-7%2F2 Reduce


Now lets focus on the second equation 2m-4=11



2m=11%2B4 Add 4 to both sides


2m=15 Combine like terms on the right side


m=%2815%29%2F%282%29 Divide both sides by 2 to isolate m


m=15%2F2 Reduce


So the solutions to abs%282m-4%29=11 are:

m=-7%2F2 and m=15%2F2