SOLUTION: How do you solve |3x + 2| = 14, whats the answer?

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Question 146865: How do you solve |3x + 2| = 14, whats the answer?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

abs%283x%2B2%29=14 Start with the given equation


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

3x%2B2=-14 or 3x%2B2=14 Set the expression 3x%2B2 equal to the original value 14 and it's opposite -14




Now lets focus on the first equation 3x%2B2=-14


3x=-14-2Subtract 2 from both sides


3x=-16 Combine like terms on the right side


x=%28-16%29%2F%283%29 Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x



x=-16%2F3 Reduce






Now lets focus on the second equation 3x%2B2=14



3x=14-2Subtract 2 from both sides


3x=12 Combine like terms on the right side


x=%2812%29%2F%283%29 Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x



x=4 Divide





So the solutions to abs%283x%2B2%29=14 are:

x=-16%2F3 and x=4