Answer:
To solve this equation, we will first simplify the left-hand side using the fact that the square root of a number squared is equal to the absolute value of that number.
So, we have:
| x - 4 | = 4 - x
We can now split this equation into two cases, depending on whether x - 4 is positive or negative:
Case 1: x - 4 ≥ 0
In this case, | x - 4 | = x - 4, so we have:
x - 4 = 4 - x
Simplifying this equation, we get:
2x = 8
x = 4
However, we must check this solution to make sure it satisfies the original equation. Plugging x = 4 back into the original equation, we get:
√(4 - 4)^2 = 4 - 4
√0 = 0
So, x = 4 is a valid solution.
Case 2: x - 4 < 0
In this case, | x - 4 | = -(x - 4), so we have:
-(x - 4) = 4 - x
Simplifying this equation, we get:
-2x + 8 = 4
-2x = -4
x = 2
Again, we must check this solution to make sure it satisfies the original equation. Plugging x = 2 back into the original equation, we get:
√(2 - 4)^2 = 4 - 2
√4 = 2
This is a valid solution.
Therefore, the equation has two solutions: x = 4 and x = 2.