Math Problem Statement

How many solutions does the equation |2x-1| =5 have?

Solution

The equation we are working with is:

2x1=5|2x - 1| = 5

To solve for xx, we need to recall that the absolute value equation A=B|A| = B implies two possible cases:

  1. A=BA = B
  2. A=BA = -B

Step 1: Set up the two cases

Case 1: 2x1=52x - 1 = 5

Solve for xx:

2x1=52x - 1 = 5 2x=5+12x = 5 + 1 2x=62x = 6 x=3x = 3

Case 2: 2x1=52x - 1 = -5

Solve for xx:

2x1=52x - 1 = -5 2x=5+12x = -5 + 1 2x=42x = -4 x=2x = -2

Step 2: Conclusion

The two solutions to the equation 2x1=5|2x - 1| = 5 are:

x=3andx=2x = 3 \quad \text{and} \quad x = -2

Thus, the equation has two solutions.


Would you like further details or have any questions about the steps?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How would the solution change if the equation was 2x1=4|2x - 1| = 4?
  2. What is the graphical representation of the equation 2x1=5|2x - 1| = 5?
  3. How would you solve x+3=7|x + 3| = 7?
  4. What happens when you solve an equation with an absolute value on both sides, like x+4=x1|x + 4| = |x - 1|?
  5. How does the concept of absolute value relate to real-world problems?

Tip: When solving absolute value equations, remember that the absolute value represents the distance of a number from zero on the number line, which leads to two possible cases: one positive and one negative.

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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 Equation Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9