Question 233033
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If you mean:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 3|x|\ -\ 12\ =\ 18],


Then it really doesn't matter.  Divide by 3:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ |x|\ -\ 4\ =\ 6]


Then add 4:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ |x|\ =\ 10]


or

Add 12:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 3|x|\ =\ 30]


Divide by 3:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ |x|\ =\ 10]


Same thing.


On the other hand, if you meant:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 3|x\ -\ 12|\ =\ 18]


Then you need to divide by 3 first, then apply the definition of absolute value, and then add 12 in each of the two resulting equations.


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
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