Question

Josefina started to solve for x in the equation

3.5 = 1.9 – 0.8|2x – 0.6| using the steps below:
3.5 = 1.9 – 0.8|2x – 0.6|
1.6 = –0.8|2x – 0.6|
–2 = |2x – 0.6|
Why did Josefina stop at Step 3?

Answer 1

Sample Respnse: Josefina saw that the absolute value was equal to a negative value. Since absolute values represent distances from values, they cannot be negative. Therefore, she knew there was no viable answer.

Explanation:

Answer 2

3.5 = 1.9 - 0.8|2x - 0.6|
3.5 - 1.9 = -0.8|2x - 0.6|
1.6 = -0.8|2x - 0.6|
1.6/-0.8 = |2x - 0.6|
-2 = |2x - 0.6|
2x - 0.6 = -2 or 2x - 0.6 = 2
2x = -2 + 0.6 or 2x = 2 + 0.6
2x = -1.4 or 2x = 2.6
x = -1.4/2 or x = 2.6/2
x = -0.7 or x = 1.3