Alternative Methods for Solving Modulus Equations

We can solve modulus equations by two different methods

We can sketch the graphs and see which lines meet each other
We can square both sides of the equation and solve. If we use this method we must check our
solutions in the original equation and discard any that do not work

Example

(i) Sketch the graph of . [2]

4 y

–3 –2 –1 1 2

–1

(ii) Hence, or otherwise, solve each of the following equations:

(a) [3]

Method 1: Graphical

Method 2: Squaring

(b) [3]

Method 1: Graphical

Method 2: Squaring