How do you evaluate #abs(1-4)times-2#?

1 Answer
Dec 8, 2016

#X=|-3| * -2=6#

Or

#X=|+3|*-2=-6#

Explanation:

I believe you mean by that #X# to multiply right? That's not a variable right?

If so, we will deal with what is inside the absolute value sign #|1-4|# first.

Ignore the absolute values for a moment and simply subtract.

#1-4=-3#

Now re-introduce the absolute value signs around the #|-3|#.

Since we must multiply #3# by #-2# our final answers are as follows:

#X=+6#

Since absolute values can have two answers, it can also be:

#X=-6#

Final Answer: #+-6#