SOLUTION: What is the sum of the solutions to the equation | -5x - 5 | = 45? a -18 b -9 c -2 d 2 e 18

Algebra ->  Absolute-value -> SOLUTION: What is the sum of the solutions to the equation | -5x - 5 | = 45? a -18 b -9 c -2 d 2 e 18       Log On


   

Question 338627: What is the sum of the solutions to the equation | -5x - 5 | = 45?
a -18 b -9 c -2 d 2 e 18

Answer by nyc_function(2741) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
| -5x - 5 | = 45?
We make two cases:
-5x - 5 = 45 and -5x - 5 = -45

We solve each case individually.
CASE ONE:
-5x - 5 = 45
-5x = 45 + 5
-5x = 50
x = 50/-5
x = -10

===================================
CASE TWO:
-5x - 5 = -45

-5x = -45 + 5
-5x = -40
x = -40/-5
x = 8
====================================
The answer for case one is -10 and the answer for case two is 8. We now
add -10 and 8 and get -2.
The answer is choice C or -2.