What is the solution set of #-abs(-x)=-12#?

1 Answer
Dec 17, 2016

#x = -12# and #x = 12#

Explanation:

First, we must isolate the absolute value term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-1 xx -abs(-x) = -1 xx -12#

#abs(-x) = 12#

Now, because the absolute value function takes a positive or a negative number and transforms it to a positive number. we must solve the term within the absolute value for both the positive and negative of the term on the other side of the equation:

Solution 1)

#-x = 12#

#-1 xx -x = -1 xx 12#

#x = -12#

Solution 2)

#-x = -12#

#-1 xx -x = -1 xx -12#

#x = 12#