Math Problem Statement

Write an equation that involves absolute value and has the solutions shown on the number line. Use x for your variable.

Solution

The number line in the image shows two blue dots located at x=3x = -3 and x=7x = 7. We are tasked with finding an absolute value equation that corresponds to these two points.

The general form of an absolute value equation is:

xc=d|x - c| = d

where cc is the midpoint between the two values, and dd is the distance from the midpoint to either point.

Step 1: Find the midpoint cc

To find the midpoint between x=3x = -3 and x=7x = 7, we use the formula for the midpoint:

c=3+72=42=2c = \frac{-3 + 7}{2} = \frac{4}{2} = 2

So, the midpoint is x=2x = 2.

Step 2: Find the distance dd

The distance between the midpoint and either of the points is:

d=72=5d = |7 - 2| = 5

Thus, the absolute value equation that represents the solutions is:

x2=5|x - 2| = 5

This equation describes all points that are 5 units away from the midpoint x=2x = 2, which includes x=3x = -3 and x=7x = 7.

Would you like further clarification on any steps, or need additional details?

Here are 5 related questions you might explore:

  1. How would you solve the equation x2=5|x - 2| = 5 to get the solutions?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of an absolute value equation?
  3. How would the equation change if the points on the number line were closer together?
  4. Can absolute value equations have more than two solutions? If so, when?
  5. How does the equation x2=5|x - 2| = 5 compare to x+3=5|x + 3| = 5?

Tip: The midpoint of two points on a number line can always be found by averaging the two values.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Absolute Value
Midpoint and Distance

Formulas

Absolute Value Equation: |x - c| = d
Midpoint Formula: (x₁ + x₂) / 2
Distance Formula: |x - midpoint|

Theorems

Properties of Absolute Value

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10