Rule of thumb: ANY absolute value is positive.
I 5x + 10I = -7
5x + 10 = -7 -Subtract 10 from both sides of the equation.
5x + 10 - 10 = -7 - 10
5x = -17 -Divide both sides by 5.
5x / 5 = -17 / 5
x = -3.4
Hope this helps! Have a happy thanksgiving, here's a turkey!