SOLUTION: If |p| - 4 = |q| , which of the following could be the values of p and q? a) p = 2 and q = -6 b) p = -2 and q = -6 c) p = -6 and q = -2 d) p = -3 and q = 7 e) p = 3 and q =

Algebra ->  Absolute-value -> SOLUTION: If |p| - 4 = |q| , which of the following could be the values of p and q? a) p = 2 and q = -6 b) p = -2 and q = -6 c) p = -6 and q = -2 d) p = -3 and q = 7 e) p = 3 and q =       Log On


   

Question 886470: If |p| - 4 = |q| , which of the following could be the values of p and q?
a) p = 2 and q = -6
b) p = -2 and q = -6
c) p = -6 and q = -2
d) p = -3 and q = 7
e) p = 3 and q = 7
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
When you see the absolute value bars "| |" around a number, 
then 
1. if the number between them is a positive number or zero, 
then you just erase the | |
2. If the number between them is negative, then you
erase BOTH the absolute value bars and also the negative sign,
and make the number positive.

|p| - 4 = |q|


a) p = 2 and q = -6

|p| - 4 = |q|
|2| - 4 = |-6|   
  2 - 4 = 6
     -2 = 6
NO!

b) p = -2 and q = -6

 |p| - 4 = |q|
|-2| - 4 = |-6|
   2 - 4 = 6
      -2 = 6
NO!


c) p = -6 and q = -2

 |p| - 4 = |q|
|-6| - 4 = |-2|
   6 - 4 = 2
       2 = 2
YES!




d) p = -3 and q = 7

 |p| - 4 = |q|
|-3| - 4 = |7|
   3 - 4 = 7
      -1 = 7
NO!




e) p = 3 and q = 7

|p| - 4 = |q|
|3| - 4 = |7|
  3 - 4 = 7
     -1 = 7
NO!

Edwin