Question

How do you solve `-5abs(x + 1) = -10`?

Answer 1

`x=-3" or "x=1`

Explanation:

`"the expression inside the absolute value can be positive"`
`"or negative"`

`"divide both sides by "-5`

`rArr|x+1|=2`

`color(magenta)"Positive expression"`

`x+1=2rArrx=1`

`color(magenta)"Negative expression"`

`-(x+1)=2`

`rArr-x-1=2`

`rArr-x=3rArrx=-3`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute these values into the left side of the equation and if equal to the right side then they are the solutions.

`x=1to-5|2|=-5xx2=-10`

`x=-3to-5|-2|=-5xx2=-10`

`rArrx=-3" or "x=1" are the solutions"`