The absolute value equation is |x - 3| = 18.
The absolute value equation |x - 3| = 18 represents the set of numbers whose distance from 3 on the number line is 18. In this equation, "x - 3" signifies the difference between the variable x and the reference point 3, and the absolute value ensures that this difference is non-negative.
The absolute value expression |x - 3| evaluates to the distance between x and 3. When this distance is equal to 18, the equation is satisfied. Geometrically, this equation describes two points on the number line: one 18 units to the right of 3 and the other 18 units to the left of 3. Therefore, the solution set for this equation includes both x = 21 and x = -15, as they meet the criteria of being a distance of 18 from 3.
Complete ques:
What is the absolute value equation representing "the numbers a distance of 18 from 3"?