Precalculus Examples

$| x - 20 | = 4$

Step 1

Remove the absolute value term. This creates a $\pm$ on the right side of the equation because $| x | = \pm x$ .

$x - 20 = \pm 4$

Step 2

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

Tap for more steps...

Step 2.1

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$x - 20 = 4$

Step 2.2

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 2.2.1

Add $20$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 4 + 20$

Step 2.2.2

Add $4$ and $20$ .

$x = 24$

Step 2.3

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$x - 20 = - 4$

Step 2.4

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 2.4.1

Add $20$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = - 4 + 20$

Step 2.4.2

Add $- 4$ and $20$ .

$x = 16$

Step 2.5

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$x = 24, 16$