Math Problem Statement

Solve |2x - 6| = |x|.

Solution

We are solving the equation:

2x6=x|2x - 6| = |x|

To solve this, we analyze the absolute values by breaking the equation into multiple cases.


Step 1: Possible cases of absolute values

The definition of absolute values gives us two cases to solve. For 2x6=x|2x - 6| = |x|, the two possibilities are:

  1. 2x6=x2x - 6 = x
  2. 2x6=x2x - 6 = -x

We will solve both cases individually.


Step 2: Solve Case 1: 2x6=x2x - 6 = x

  1. Subtract xx from both sides: 2xx6=0    x6=02x - x - 6 = 0 \implies x - 6 = 0
  2. Solve for xx: x=6x = 6

Step 3: Solve Case 2: 2x6=x2x - 6 = -x

  1. Add xx to both sides: 2x+x6=0    3x6=02x + x - 6 = 0 \implies 3x - 6 = 0
  2. Solve for xx: 3x=6    x=23x = 6 \implies x = 2

Step 4: Verify solutions

We check whether both x=6x = 6 and x=2x = 2 satisfy the original equation 2x6=x|2x - 6| = |x|.

  1. For x=6x = 6: 2(6)6=6    126=6    6=6(True)|2(6) - 6| = |6| \implies |12 - 6| = |6| \implies |6| = |6| \quad \text{(True)}

  2. For x=2x = 2: 2(2)6=2    46=2    2=2(True)|2(2) - 6| = |2| \implies |4 - 6| = |2| \implies |-2| = |2| \quad \text{(True)}

Both solutions satisfy the equation.


Final Answer:

The solutions are: x=6andx=2x = 6 \quad \text{and} \quad x = 2


Would you like more clarification on any of the steps? Let me know!

Related Questions:

  1. How do you solve equations involving absolute values with variables?
  2. What are the key properties of absolute value functions?
  3. How do you graph absolute value functions like 2x6|2x - 6| and x|x|?
  4. Can absolute value equations have no solution? Explain with examples.
  5. How do you handle inequalities involving absolute values, like 2x6>x|2x - 6| > |x|?

Tip:

Always remember that absolute value splits an equation into two cases: one for the positive scenario and one for the negative scenario. Be sure to check all solutions in the original equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Absolute Value Equations
Linear Equations
Case Analysis

Formulas

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

Theorems

Properties of Absolute Value

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10