1.

4 Solving Absolute Value Equations

Essential Question How can you solve an absolute value equation?
COMMON
CORE Solving an Absolute Value
Equation Algebraically
Learning Standards
HSA-CED.A.1 Work with a partner. Consider the absolute value equation
HSA-REI.B.3
∣ x + 2 ∣ = 3.
a. Describe the values of x + 2 that make the equation true. Use your description
to write two linear equations that represent the solutions of the absolute value
equation.
b. Use the linear equations you wrote in part (a) to find the solutions of the absolute
value equation.
MAKING SENSE c. How can you use linear equations to solve an absolute value equation?
OF PROBLEMS
To be proficient in math,
you need to explain to Solving an Absolute Value
yourself the meaning of Equation Graphically
a problem and look for
entry points to its solution.
Work with a partner. Consider the absolute value equation
∣ x + 2 ∣ = 3.
a. On a real number line, locate the point for which x + 2 = 0.

−10 −9 −8 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

b. Locate the points that are 3 units from the point you found in part (a). What do you
notice about these points?
c. How can you use a number line to solve an absolute value equation?

Solving an Absolute Value

Equation Numerically
Work with a partner. Consider the absolute value equation
∣ x + 2 ∣ = 3. A B
1 x |x + 2|
a. Use a spreadsheet, as shown, abs(A2 + 2)
2 -6 4
to solve the absolute value equation.
3 -5
b. Compare the solutions you found using 4 -4
the spreadsheet with those you found 5 -3
in Explorations 1 and 2. What do 6 -2
you notice? 7 -1
c. How can you use a spreadsheet to 8 0
solve an absolute value equation? 9 1
10 2
11
Communicate Your Answer
4. How can you solve an absolute value equation?
5. What do you like or dislike about the algebraic, graphical, and numerical methods
for solving an absolute value equation? Give reasons for your answers.

Section 1.4 Solving Absolute Value Equations 27

1.4 Lesson What You Will Learn
Solve absolute value equations.
Solve equations involving two absolute values.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry Identify special solutions of absolute value equations.
absolute value equation, p. 28
extraneous solution, p. 31 Solving Absolute Value Equations
Previous An absolute value equation is an equation that contains an absolute value expression.
absolute value You can solve these types of equations by solving two related linear equations.
opposite

Core Concept
Properties of Absolute Value
Let a and b be real numbers. Then the following properties are true.
1. ∣ a ∣ ≥ 0 2. ∣ −a ∣ = ∣ a ∣

3. ∣ ab ∣ = ∣ a ∣ ∣ b ∣ ∣ ∣
a ∣a∣
4. — = —, b ≠ 0
b ∣b∣
Solving Absolute Value Equations
To solve ∣ ax + b ∣ = c when c ≥ 0, solve the related linear equations
ax + b = c or ax + b = − c.
When c < 0, the absolute value equation ∣ ax + b ∣ = c has no solution because
absolute value always indicates a number that is not negative.

Solving Absolute Value Equations

Solve each equation. Graph the solutions, if possible.

a. ∣ x − 4 ∣ = 6 b. ∣ 3x + 1 ∣ = −5

SOLUTION
a. Write the two related linear equations for ∣ x − 4 ∣ = 6. Then solve.
x−4=6 or x − 4 = −6 Write related linear equations.
x = 10 x = −2 Add 4 to each side.

The solutions are x = 10 and x = −2.

−4 −2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
6 6

Each solution is 6 units from 4.

Property of Absolute Value b. The absolute value of an expression must be greater than or equal to 0. The
expression ∣ 3x + 1 ∣ cannot equal −5.
So, the equation has no solution.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Solve the equation. Graph the solutions, if possible.

1. ∣ x ∣ = 10 2. ∣ x − 1 ∣ = 4 3. ∣ 3 + x ∣ = −3

28 Chapter 1 Solving Linear Equations

 Solving an Absolute Value Equation

Solve ∣ 3x + 9 ∣ − 10 = −4.

SOLUTION
First isolate the absolute value expression on one side of the equation.
ANOTHER WAY ∣ 3x + 9 ∣ − 10 = −4 Write the equation.
Using the product ∣ 3x + 9 ∣ = 6 Add 10 to each side.
property of absolute
value, |ab| = |a| |b|, Now write two related linear equations for ∣ 3x + 9 ∣ = 6. Then solve.
you could rewrite the
3x + 9 = 6 or 3x + 9 = −6 Write related linear equations.
equation as
3x = −3 3x = −15 Subtract 9 from each side.
3|x + 3| − 10 = −4
x = −1 x = −5 Divide each side by 3.
and then solve.
The solutions are x = −1 and x = −5.

Writing an Absolute Value Equation

In a cheerleading competition, the minimum length of a routine is 4 minutes. The

maximum length of a routine is 5 minutes. Write an absolute value equation that
REASONING represents the minimum and maximum lengths.
Mathematically proficient
SOLUTION
students have the ability
to decontextualize 1. Understand the Problem You know the minimum and maximum lengths. You are
problem situations. asked to write an absolute value equation that represents these lengths.
2. Make a Plan Consider the minimum and maximum lengths as solutions to an
absolute value equation. Use a number line to find the halfway point between the
solutions. Then use the halfway point and the distance to each solution to write an
absolute value equation.
33. Solve the Problem

4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0
0.5 0.5

halfway point distance from halfway point

∣ x − 4.5 ∣ = 0.5
The equation is ∣ x − 4.5 ∣ = 0.5.
4.
4 Look Back To check that your equation is reasonable, substitute the minimum and
maximum lengths into the equation and simplify.
Minimum Maximum
∣ 4 − 4.5 ∣ = 0.5 ✓ ∣ 5 − 4.5 ∣ = 0.5 ✓
Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Solve the equation. Check your solutions.

S
4. ∣ x − 2 ∣ + 5 = 9 5. 4∣ 2x + 7 ∣ = 16 6. −2∣ 5x − 1 ∣ − 3 = −11

7. For a poetry contest, the minimum length of a poem is 16 lines. The maximum
length is 32 lines. Write an absolute value equation that represents the minimum
and maximum lengths.

Section 1.4 Solving Absolute Value Equations 29

 Solving Equations with Two Absolute Values
If the absolute values of two algebraic expressions are equal, then they must either be
equal to each other or be opposites of each other.

Core Concept
Solving Equations with Two Absolute Values
To solve ∣ ax + b ∣ = ∣ cx + d ∣, solve the related linear equations
ax + b = cx + d or ax + b = −(cx + d).

Solving Equations with Two Absolute Values

Solve (a) ∣ 3x − 4 ∣ = ∣ x ∣ and (b) ∣ 4x − 10 ∣ = 2∣ 3x + 1 ∣.

SOLUTION
a. Write the two related linear equations for ∣ 3x − 4 ∣ = ∣ x ∣. Then solve.
Check
3x − 4 = x or 3x − 4 = −x
∣ 3x − 4 ∣ = ∣ x ∣
−x −x +x +x
?
∣ 3(2) − 4 ∣ = ∣2∣ 2x − 4 = 0 4x − 4 = 0
?
∣2∣ = ∣2∣ +4 +4 +4 +4

2=2 ✓ 2x = 4 4x = 4
2x 4 4x 4
—=— —=—
∣ 3x − 4 ∣ = ∣ x ∣ 2 2 4 4
?
∣ 3(1) − 4 ∣ = ∣1∣ x=2 x=1
?
∣ −1 ∣ = ∣1∣ The solutions are x = 2 and x = 1.
1=1 ✓ b. Write the two related linear equations for ∣ 4x − 10 ∣ = 2∣ 3x + 1 ∣. Then solve.
4x − 10 = 2(3x + 1) or 4x − 10 = 2[−(3x + 1)]
4x − 10 = 6x + 2 4x − 10 = 2(−3x − 1)
− 6x − 6x 4x − 10 = −6x − 2
− 2x − 10 = 2 + 6x + 6x
+ 10 + 10 10x − 10 = −2
−2x = 12 + 10 + 10
−2x 12
—=— 10x = 8
−2 −2
10x 8
x = −6 —=—
10 10
x = 0.8

The solutions are x = −6 and x = 0.8.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Solve the equation. Check your solutions.

8. ∣ x + 8 ∣ = ∣ 2x + 1 ∣ 9. 3∣ x − 4 ∣ = ∣ 2x + 5 ∣

30 Chapter 1 Solving Linear Equations

 Identifying Special Solutions
When you solve an absolute value equation, it is possible for a solution to be
extraneous. An extraneous solution is an apparent solution that must be rejected
because it does not satisfy the original equation.

Identifying Extraneous Solutions

Solve ∣ 2x + 12 ∣ = 4x. Check your solutions.

SOLUTION
Check Write the two related linear equations for ∣ 2x + 12 ∣ = 4x. Then solve.
∣ 2x + 12 ∣ = 4x 2x + 12 = 4x or 2x + 12 = −4x Write related linear equations.
? 12 = 2x 12 = −6x Subtract 2x from each side.
∣ 2(6) + 12 ∣ = 4(6)
? 6=x −2 = x Solve for x.
∣ 24 ∣ = 24
Check the apparent solutions to see if either is extraneous.
24 = 24 ✓ The solution is x = 6. Reject x = −2 because it is extraneous.
∣ 2x + 12 ∣ = 4x When solving equations of the form ∣ ax + b ∣ = ∣ cx + d ∣, it is possible that one of the
? related linear equations will not have a solution.
∣ 2(−2) + 12 ∣ = 4(−2)
?
∣8∣ = −8 Solving an Equation with Two Absolute Values
8 ≠ −8 ✗ Solve ∣ x + 5 ∣ = ∣ x + 11 ∣.

SOLUTION
By equating the expression x + 5 and the opposite of x + 11, you obtain
x + 5 = −(x + 11) Write related linear equation.
x + 5 = −x − 11 Distributive Property
2x + 5 = −11 Add x to each side.
2x = −16 Subtract 5 from each side.
x = −8. Divide each side by 2.
However, by equating the expressions x + 5 and x + 11, you obtain
x + 5 = x + 11 Write related linear equation.
REMEMBER x=x+6 Subtract 5 from each side.
Always check your
solutions in the original
0=6 ✗ Subtract x from each side.
equation to make sure which is a false statement. So, the original equation has only one solution.
they are not extraneous.
The solution is x = −8.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Solve the equation. Check your solutions.

10. ∣ x + 6 ∣ = 2x 11. ∣ 3x − 2 ∣ = x
12. ∣ 2 + x ∣ = ∣ x − 8 ∣ 13. ∣ 5x − 2 ∣ = ∣ 5x + 4 ∣

Section 1.4 Solving Absolute Value Equations 31

 1.4 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at BigIdeasMath.com

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

1. VOCABULARY What is an extraneous solution?

2. WRITING Without calculating, how do you know that the equation ∣ 4x − 7 ∣ = −1 has no solution?

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

In Exercises 3−10, simplify the expression. 26. WRITING EQUATIONS The shoulder heights of the
shortest and tallest miniature poodles are shown.
3. ∣ −9 ∣ 4. −∣ 15 ∣

5. ∣ 14 ∣ − ∣ −14 ∣ 6. ∣ −3 ∣ + ∣ 3 ∣

7. −∣ −5 (−7) ∣ ⋅ 8. ∣ −0.8 ⋅ 10 ∣

9. ∣ −327 ∣
— 10. ∣ −−124 ∣
—
15 in.
10 in.

In Exercises 11−24, solve the equation. Graph the

solution(s), if possible. (See Examples 1 and 2.)
a. Represent these two heights on a number line.
11. ∣w∣ = 6 12. ∣ r ∣ = −2
b. Write an absolute value equation that represents
13. ∣ y ∣ = −18 14. ∣ x ∣ = 13 these heights.

15. ∣m + 3∣ = 7 16. ∣ q − 8 ∣ = 14 USING STRUCTURE In Exercises 27−30, match the

absolute value equation with its graph without solving
17. ∣ −3d ∣ = 15 18. ∣ ∣
t
— =6
2
the equation.
27. ∣x + 2∣ = 4 28. ∣x − 4∣ = 2
19. ∣ 4b − 5 ∣ = 19 20. ∣x − 1∣ + 5 = 2
29. ∣x − 2∣ = 4 30. ∣x + 4∣ = 2
21. −4∣ 8 − 5n ∣ = 13

∣
22. −3 1 − — v = −9
2
3
∣ A.
−10 −8 −6 −4 −2 0 2
2 2

∣ 14
23. 3 = −2 — s − 5 + 3 ∣ B.
−8 −6 −4 −2 0 2 4
24. 9∣ 4p + 2 ∣ + 8 = 35 4 4

25. WRITING EQUATIONS The minimum distance from C.

−4 −2 0 2 4 6 8
Earth to the Sun is 91.4 million miles. The maximum
4 4
distance is 94.5 million miles. (See Example 3.)

a. Represent these two distances on a number line. D.

−2 0 2 4 6 8 10
b. Write an absolute value equation that represents
2 2
the minimum and maximum distances.

32 Chapter 1 Solving Linear Equations

HSCC_Alg1_PE_01.04.indd 32 5/27/14 4:12 PM

In Exercises 31−34, write an absolute value equation 48. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS The recommended
that has the given solutions. weight of a soccer ball is 430 grams. The actual
weight is allowed to vary by up to 20 grams.
31. x = 8 and x = 18 32. x = −6 and x = 10
a. Write and solve an absolute
33. x = 2 and x = 9 34. x = −10 and x = −5
value equation to find the
minimum and maximum
In Exercises 35−44, solve the equation. Check your
acceptable soccer ball weights.
solutions. (See Examples 4, 5, and 6.)
b. A soccer ball weighs 423 grams.
35. ∣ 4n − 15 ∣ = ∣ n ∣ 36. ∣ 2c + 8 ∣ = ∣ 10c ∣ Due to wear and tear, the weight of
the ball decreases by 16 grams. Is the
37. ∣ 2b − 9 ∣ = ∣ b − 6 ∣ 38. ∣ 3k − 2 ∣ = 2∣ k + 2 ∣ weight acceptable? Explain.

39. 4∣ p − 3 ∣ = ∣ 2p + 8 ∣ 40. 2∣ 4w − 1 ∣ = 3∣ 4w + 2 ∣ ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 49 and 50, describe and

correct the error in solving the equation.
41. ∣ 3h + 1 ∣ = 7h 42. ∣ 6a − 5 ∣ = 4a

✗
49.
43. ∣f − 6∣ = ∣f + 8∣ 44. ∣ 3x − 4 ∣ = ∣ 3x − 5 ∣ ∣ 2x − 1 ∣ = −9
2x − 1 = −9 or 2x − 1 = −(−9)
45. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS Starting from
300 feet away, a car drives toward you. It then passes 2x = −8 2x = 10
by you at a speed of 48 feet per second. The distance
x = −4 x=5
d (in feet) of the car from you after t seconds is given
by the equation d = ∣ 300 − 48t ∣. At what times is the The solutions are x = −4 and x = 5.
car 60 feet from you?

✗
46. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Your friend says that the 50.
absolute value equation ∣ 3x + 8 ∣ − 9 = −5 has no ∣ 5x + 8 ∣ = x
solution because the constant on the right side of the
equation is negative. Is your friend correct? Explain. 5x + 8 = x or 5x + 8 = −x
4x + 8 = 0 6x + 8 = 0
47. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS You randomly
survey students about year-round school. The results 4x = −8 6x = −8
are shown in the graph. 4
x = −2 x = −—
3
Year-Round School
4
The solutions are x = −2 and x = −—.
3
Oppose 68%

51. ANALYZING EQUATIONS Without solving completely,

Favor 32%
place each equation into one of the three categories.
Error: ±5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No One Two
solution solution solutions
The error given in the graph means that the actual
percent could be 5% more or 5% less than the percent
reported by the survey.

a. Write and solve an absolute value equation to find ∣x − 2∣ + 6 = 0 ∣x + 3∣ − 1 = 0

the least and greatest percents of students who
∣x + 8∣ + 2 = 7 ∣x − 1∣ + 4 = 4
could be in favor of year-round school.
b. A classmate claims that —13 of the student body is ∣ x − 6 ∣ − 5 = −9 ∣ x + 5 ∣ − 8 = −8
actually in favor of year-round school. Does this
conflict with the survey data? Explain.

Section 1.4 Solving Absolute Value Equations 33

52. USING STRUCTURE Fill in the equation 60. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? The circle graph shows the
∣x − ∣= with a, b, c, or d so that the results of a survey of registered voters the day of
an election.
equation is graphed correctly.

Which Party’s Candidate

a b c Will Get Your Vote?
d d Other: 4%
Green: 2%
ABSTRACT REASONING In Exercises 53−56, complete Libertarian:
the statement with always, sometimes, or never. Explain 5%
Democratic:
your reasoning. 47%
53. If x 2 = a 2, then ∣ x ∣ is ________ equal to ∣ a ∣.
Republican:
42%
54. If a and b are real numbers, then ∣ a − b ∣ is
_________ equal to ∣ b − a ∣.
Error: ±2%
55. For any real number p, the equation ∣ x − 4 ∣ = p will
________ have two solutions. The error given in the graph means that the actual
percent could be 2% more or 2% less than the
56. For any real number p, the equation ∣ x − p ∣ = 4 will percent reported by the survey.
________ have two solutions. a. What are the minimum and maximum percents
of voters who could vote Republican? Green?
57. WRITING Explain why absolute value equations can
b. How can you use absolute value equations to
have no solution, one solution, or two solutions. Give
represent your answers in part (a)?
an example of each case.
c. One candidate receives 44% of the vote. Which
party does the candidate belong to? Explain.
58. THOUGHT PROVOKING Describe a real-life situation
that can be modeled by an absolute value equation
with the solutions x = 62 and x = 72.
61. ABSTRACT REASONING How many solutions does
the equation a∣ x + b ∣ + c = d have when a > 0
59. CRITICAL THINKING Solve the equation shown. and c = d? when a < 0 and c > d? Explain
Explain how you found your solution(s). your reasoning.

8∣ x + 2 ∣ − 6 = 5 ∣ x + 2 ∣ + 3

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

Identify the property of equality that makes Equation 1 and Equation 2 equivalent. (Section 1.1)
62. 63.
Equation 1 3x + 8 = x − 1 Equation 1 4y = 28
Equation 2 3x + 9 = x Equation 2 y=7

Use a geometric formula to solve the problem. (Skills Review Handbook)

64. A square has an area of 81 square meters. Find the side length.

65. A circle has an area of 36π square inches. Find the radius.

66. A triangle has a height of 8 feet and an area of 48 square feet. Find the base.

67. A rectangle has a width of 4 centimeters and a perimeter of 26 centimeters. Find the length.

34 Chapter 1 Solving Linear Equations