Math Problem Statement

What is the solution set of the equation |3x - 5| = |-2x - 15|?

Solution

The equation in the image is:

3x5=2x15|3x - 5| = |-2x - 15|

To solve this, we need to consider the properties of absolute values. When solving equations with absolute values, we must account for two cases:

Case 1: The expressions inside the absolute values are equal.

3x5=2x153x - 5 = -2x - 15

Solve for xx:

  1. Add 2x2x to both sides: 3x+2x5=153x + 2x - 5 = -15 5x5=155x - 5 = -15
  2. Add 5 to both sides: 5x=105x = -10
  3. Divide by 5: x=2x = -2

Case 2: The expressions inside the absolute values are negatives of each other.

3x5=(2x15)3x - 5 = -( -2x - 15)

Simplify the right-hand side: 3x5=2x+153x - 5 = 2x + 15

Solve for xx:

  1. Subtract 2x2x from both sides: x5=15x - 5 = 15
  2. Add 5 to both sides: x=20x = 20

Conclusion:

The solution set is {2,20}\{-2, 20\}, which matches option B.

Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are five related questions:

  1. How do absolute values affect the structure of equations?
  2. Can you explain how to solve absolute value inequalities?
  3. What are the general steps for solving an equation with multiple absolute values?
  4. What happens if an absolute value equation has no solution?
  5. Can absolute value equations have infinitely many solutions?

Tip: Always break absolute value equations into cases to handle both positive and negative scenarios.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Absolute Value Equations

Formulas

|A| = |B| implies A = B or A = -B

Theorems

Properties of Absolute Values

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10