Question 1085316
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1.  The <U>shortest answer</U> is: because the absolute value function is defined differently in different parts of the number line.



2.  Slightly<U> more extended answer</U> is this:

    When we solve absolute value equation |ax + b| = c, for example, 
    we reduce it to solving TWO equations with linear functions.

    In each equation this linear function is determined in its own way.



3.  To get the <U>most detailed explanations</U>, see the lessons 
</pre>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/absolute-value/-Absolute-Value-equations.lesson>Absolute Value equations</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/absolute-value/HOW-TO-solve-equations-containing-Linear-Terms-under-Abs-Value-sign-L-1.lesson>HOW TO solve equations containing Linear Terms under the Absolute Value sign. Lesson 1</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/absolute-value/HOW-TO-solve-equations-containing-Linear-Terms-under-Abs-Value-sign-L-2.lesson>HOW TO solve equations containing Linear Terms under the Absolute Value sign. Lesson 2</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/absolute-value/HOW-TO-solve-equations-containing-Linear-Terms-under-Abs-Value-sign-L-3.lesson>HOW TO solve equations containing Linear Terms under the Absolute Value sign. Lesson 3</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/absolute-value/HOW-TO-solve-equations-containing-Quadratic-Terms-under-Abs-Value-sign-L-1.lesson>HOW TO solve equations containing Quadratic Terms under the Absolute Value sign. Lesson 1</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/absolute-value/HOW-TO-solve-equations-containing-Quadratic-Terms-under-Abs-Value-sign-L-2.lesson>HOW TO solve equations containing Quadratic Terms under the Absolute Value sign. Lesson 2</A>

in this site.


Read them attentively and become an expert in this area.



Also, you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I in this site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson>ALGEBRA-I - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK</A>.


The referred lessons are the part of this online textbook under the topic
"<U>Solving Absolute values equations</U>".