Name

Class

Date

Reteaching

1-6

Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

Solving absolute value equations require solving two equations separately. Recall
that for a real number x, u x u is the distance from zero to x on the number line. The
equation u x u 5 p means that either x 5 p or x 5 2p because both are p units
from 0.
Problem

What is the solution set for the equation u 5x 1 1 u 2 3 5 4?

The first step in solving an absolute value equation is to isolate the absolute value
on one side of the equal sign.
u 5x 1 1 u 2 3 5 4
u 5x 1 1 u 2 3 1 3 5 4 1 3

Add 3 to each side.

u 5x 1 1 u 5 7

Simplify.

Next, rewrite the absolute value as two equations and solve each of them
separately.
5x 1 1 5 7
5x 5 6
x5

6
5

or
or

5x 1 1 5 27
5x 5 28

Denition of absolute value

or

285

Division Property of Equality

x5

Addition Property of Equality

Notice that the same operations are performed in the same order on each of the
two equations. However, do not try to simplify the process by solving a single
equation. This leads to errors.
The solutions are x 5 65 or x 5 285 . Check each solution in the original equation:
Check
6

P5 ? 5 1 1P 2 3 5 4
u6 1 1u 2 3 5 4
4 5 4

P 5 ? Q25 R 1 1 P 2 3 5 4
u 28 1 1 u 2 3 5 4
4 5 4

Exercises
Solve each absolute value equation. Check your work.
1. u 2x 2 3 u 2 4 5 3

2. u 3x 2 6 u 1 1 5 13

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Name

Class

1-6

Date

Reteaching (continued)
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

To solve an absolute value inequality, keep in mind that u x u is the distance from
zero to x on the number line. So, if u x u , p, then x is less than p units from 0, so
u x u , p 1 2p , x , p.
And, if u x u . p, then x is greater than p units from 0, so
u x u . p 1 x , 2p or x . p.
In this case, we need to rewrite the absolute value inequality as two separate
inequalities. Do not try to combine them into one inequality.
Problem

What is the solution set for the inequality u 2x 1 3 u . 11?

Because the inequality is ., use u x u . p 1 x , 2p or x . p.
Begin by rewriting the absolute value as two equations and solve each of them
separately.
2x 1 3 , 211

or

2x 1 3 . 11

2x , 214

or

2x . 8

x . 27

or

x.4

Rewrite as a compound inequality.

Subtract 3 from each side.
Divide each side by 2.

The solution set is x , 27 or x . 4.

Exercises
Complete the steps to solve the inequality P 2x 2 4 P K 3 .
3.
4.
5.

u
u
u

x
224

x
2

u
u
u

Rewrite as a compound inequality.

u to each part.
Multiply each part by u .
Add

6. What is the solution?

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60