Question

What is x: |3x-1| = 4

Answer 1

Explanation:

3x-1=4

3x=4+1

3x=5

x=5/3

Answer 2

x = 5/3 x = -1

Explanation:

|3x-1| = 4

There are two solutions, one positive and one negative

3x-1 =4 and 3x-1 = -4

Add 1 to each side

3x-1+1 = 4+1 3x-1+1 = -4+1

3x = 5 3x = -3

Divide by 3

3x/3 = 5/3 3x/3 = -3/3

x = 5/3 x = -1