#  >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

How to Simplify the Expression by Removing the Absolute Sign

The mathematical absolute value of a number denotes the distance of the number from zero. In an equation that includes a variable, the absolute value of the variable will produce two solutions. One solution will be based on the positive value of the variable, the other solution based on the negative value of the variable. So to simplify an expression with an absolute value, you must solve for both values.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider your mathematics expression. Examine the relationship within your equation. For example, |x - 10| + 3 = 5 should be understood sas the absolute value of x minus 10 plus three equals five.

    • 2

      Isolate your absolute value expression. Use mathematics functions to get your absolute value expression on the left side of the equal sign. Remember to use to your order of operations -- parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. In the example, |x - 10| + 3 = 5, subtract three from each side of the equal sign to isolate your absolute value expression. You should get |x - 10| = 2.

    • 3

      Drop the absolute value signs and rewrite your expression with a positive and negative solution. |x - 10| = 2 should be rewritten as x - 10 = 2 and x - 10 = -2.

    • 4

      Solve both expressions by isolating the variable to get your solution. The final solutions for |x - 10| + 3 = 5 are 12 and 8.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved