Math Problem Statement

|1 - 4x| - 1 = 5

Solution

The given equation is:

14x1=5|1 - 4x| - 1 = 5

Let's solve it step by step:

Step 1: Isolate the absolute value

Add 1 to both sides to isolate the absolute value term:

14x=6|1 - 4x| = 6

Step 2: Solve for the two cases of the absolute value

Since the absolute value of a number can be either positive or negative, we split it into two cases:

  1. 14x=61 - 4x = 6
  2. 14x=61 - 4x = -6

Case 1: 14x=61 - 4x = 6

14x=61 - 4x = 6 Subtract 1 from both sides: 4x=5-4x = 5 Now divide by -4: x=54x = -\frac{5}{4}

Case 2: 14x=61 - 4x = -6

14x=61 - 4x = -6 Subtract 1 from both sides: 4x=7-4x = -7 Now divide by -4: x=74x = \frac{7}{4}

Final Solution

The solutions for xx are: x=54orx=74x = -\frac{5}{4} \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{7}{4}

Would you like more details or further explanation on any of the steps?

Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

  1. What is the general approach to solving absolute value equations?
  2. How do you handle more complex absolute value equations with multiple terms inside?
  3. What happens if there's a quadratic term inside the absolute value?
  4. How can you verify the solutions of absolute value equations?
  5. How do you graph absolute value functions?

Tip: Always remember to check both cases when solving absolute value equations, as they can yield different results!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Absolute Value Equations

Formulas

|a| = b implies a = b or a = -b

Theorems

Absolute Value Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10