Question 174909
Since the absolute value of x+142 = 81

x+142 =81 or x+142 = -81

Using the equation x+142=81, x = 81-142 = -61

Using the equation x+142=-81, x = -81-142 = -223

Check the answers by replacing the variable "x" in the oroginal equation with the two values for x.

absolute value (-61+142) = absolute value (81) = 81 (OK)

absolute value (-223+142) absolute value (-81) = 81 (OK)