Question

On average, Ryan can finish a puzzle in 3 hours but, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle, his time can vary from the average by 2 hours.

Which absolute value equation can be used to calculate Ryan's maximum and minimum time to complete a puzzle?

Let x represent the maximum and minimum time


|x−3|=2

|x+2|=3

|x+3|=2

|x−2|=3

Answer 1

|x − 3| = 2

Explanation:

The difference between his maximum time and his average time is +2 hours.

x − 3 = 2

The difference between his minimum time and his average time is -2 hours.

x − 3 = -2

Using absolute values:

|x − 3| = 2

Answer 2

| x - 3 | = 2

Explanation:

Let x represents the time ( in hours ) taken by Ryan to finish the puzzle,

Since, standard time taken by him = 3 hours

Thus, the time varying from the standard time = 3 - x ( if x < 3 )

or x - 3 ( if x > 3 )

By combining them,

The maximum vary in time = | x - 3 |

According to the question,

| x - 3 | = 2

Which is the required absolute value equation.

Hence, FIRST option is correct.