Question

Compare and Contrast: Below are two equations. Solve each equation and compare the two solutions. Choose the statement that is true about each solution. (3 points)

Equation #1
|2x - 3| = -17

Equation #2
|5x + 3| = 12

a-Equation #1 and Equation #2 have the same number of solutions.
b-Equation #1 has more solutions than equation #2.
c-Equation #1 has fewer solutions than equation #2.
d-None of the statements above describe the number of solutions to equations shown.

Answer 1

Equation #1:
|2x - 3| = 17
The first solution is
2x - 3 = 17
2x = 17 + 3 = 20
x = 10
The second solution is
3 - 2x = 17
-2x = 17 - 3 = 14
x = -7
The solutions are x = 10 or x = -7.

Equation #2:
|5x + 3| = 12
The only solution is
5x + 3 = 12
5x = 12 - 3 = 9
x = 9/5

Let us examine the given answers.
a. Equation #1 and #2 have the same number of solutions.
FALSE
b. Equation @1 has more solutions than Equation #2.
TRUE
c. Equation #1 has fewer solutions than equation #2.
FALSE
d. None of the statements a,b, or c apply.
FALSE

Answer: b.