How do you solve #| x^2+3x-2 | =2#?

1 Answer
Aug 29, 2016

The solution set is #{1, 0, -3, -4}#

Explanation:

Case 1: The absolute value is positive

#x^2 + 3x - 2 = 2#

#x^2 + 3x - 2 - 2 = 0#

#x^2 + 3x - 4 = 0#

#(x + 4)(x - 1) = 0#

#x = -4 and 1#

Case 2: The absolute value is negative

#-(x^2 + 3x - 2) = 2#

#-x^2 - 3x + 2 = 2#

#-x^2 - 3x + 2 - 2 = 0#

#-x^2 - 3x = 0#

#-x(x + 3) = 0#

#x = 0 and -3#

Check all the solutions in the original equation. You will find that all solutions satisfy the equation.

Hopefully this helps!