Clear the absolute-value bars by splitting the equation into its two cases, one for the Positive case and the other for the Negative case.
The Absolute Value term is |x-3|
For the Negative case we'll use -(x-3)
For the Positive case we'll use (x-3)
Step 3 :
Solve the Negative Case
-(x-3) = 12
Multiply
-x+3 = 12
Rearrange and Add up
-x = 9
Multiply both sides by (-1)
x = -9
Which is the solution for the Negative Case
Step 4 :
Solve the Positive Case
(x-3) = 12
Rearrange and Add up
x = 15
Which is the solution for the Positive Case
Step 5 :
Wrap up the solution
x=-9
x=15