Note: The presentation may take a moment to load.

Fullscreen version

If | x - a | = c where a, c are real numbers then x – a = c or x – a = -(c)

To solve absolute value equations

1. Isolate the absolute value
2. Divide into two parts - one positive and one negative
3. Solve both parts
4. Write in set notation
5. Check each solution

RULE: If | x - a| ≤ c where a, c are real numbers then x – a ≤ c AND -(x – a) ≤ c

1. Isolate the absolute value
2. Divide into two parts - one positive and one negative
3. Solve both parts
4. Graph
5. Express the answer as the intersection of each half of the equation

RULE: If | x-a| ≥ c where a, c are real numbers then x – a ≥ c OR -(x – a) ≥ c

1. Isolate the absolute value
2. Divide into two parts - one positive and one negative
3. Solve both parts
4. Graph
5. Express the answer as the union of each half of the equation