SOLUTION: If x is twice as far from 5as it is from -7, what are the possible values for x?

Algebra ->  Number-Line -> SOLUTION: If x is twice as far from 5as it is from -7, what are the possible values for x?      Log On


   



Question 1017312: If x is twice as far from 5as it is from -7, what are the possible values for x?
Answer by robertb(5830) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
abs%28x-5%29+=+2abs%28x--7%29
Squaring both sides of the equation to eliminate the absolute value bars, we get
==> %28x-5%29%5E2+=+4%2A%28x%2B7%29%5E2
<==> x%5E2+-10x+%2B25+=+4%28x%5E2%2B14x%2B49%29
<==> x%5E2+-10x+%2B25+=+4x%5E2%2B56x%2B196%29
<==> 0+=+3x%5E2+%2B+66x+%2B171
<==> 0+=+%28x%2B3%29%28x%2B19%29
==> x = -3 or -19