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

1 Answer
Apr 15, 2018

#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"#