Question

Solve the equation. |x + 5| = 9 {–4, 14} {–14, 4} {4, 14} {–14, –4}

Answer 1

{-14, 4}

Explanation:

the absolute value function only makes sure that the result always has a positive sign.

so, (x + 5) must be either +9 or -9 to make the original equation true. the absolute value would turn both into +9.

so,

x + 5 = 9

x = 4

and

x + 5 = -9

x = -14

that gives us the correct set of solutions as indicated above.