How do you solve #150= | q - 750|#?

1 Answer
smendyka
Dec 27, 2016

#q = 900# or #q = 600#

Explanation:

Because the equation in this problem contains the absolute value function it presents a special case.

The absolute value function transforms a negative and a positive number into its positive equivalent.

Therefore we need to solve the term within the absolute value function for both the positive and negative form of what it is equated to. In this case both +150 an -150.

Solution 1)

#150 = q - 750#

#150 + color(red)(750) = q - 750 + color(red)(750)#

#900 = q - 0#

#900 = q# or #q = 900#

Solution 2)

#color(red)(-150) = q - 750#

#-150 + color(red)(750) = q - 750 + color(red)(750)#

#600 = q - 0#

#600 = q# or #q = 600#

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