SOLUTION: what is the answer to this equation: |a-3|-14=-6

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Question 338370: what is the answer to this equation: |a-3|-14=-6
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
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abs%28a-3%29-14=-6 Start with the given equation


abs%28a-3%29=8 Add 14 to both sides.


Break up the absolute value (remember, if you have abs%28x%29=a, then x=-a or x=a)

a-3=-8 or a-3=8 Set the expression a-3 equal to the original value 8 and it's opposite -8




Now lets focus on the first equation a-3=-8


a=-8%2B3Add 3 to both sides


a=-5 Combine like terms on the right side






Now lets focus on the second equation a-3=8



a=8%2B3Add 3 to both sides


a=11 Combine like terms on the right side





So the solutions to abs%28a-3%29-14=-6 are:

a=-5 or a=11


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Jim