SOLUTION: 3|2a + 7| =3a + 12

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Question 837355: 3|2a + 7| =3a + 12
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The absolute value is a variable until it is isolated and can be more carefully analyzed.

abs%282a%2B7%29=%283a%2B12%29%2F3
abs%282a%2B7%29=a%2B4
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Solve for two different cases.
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CASE: 2a%2B7%3E=0.
abs%282a%2B7%29=2a%2B7=a%2B4
a%2B7=4
a=-3
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CASE: 2a%2B7%3C0.
abs%282a%2B7%29=-2a-7=a%2B4
-3a%2B7=4
-3a=-3
a=1
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Summary of Solution Answers: highlight%28a=-3%29 or highlight%28a=1%29
and you might want to check each solution to be sure that it works.