| 3x+2 | + | 3x | =7
Question
Answer:
To solve the equation |3x + 2| + |3x| = 7, you'll need to consider four possible cases based on the absolute value expressions. The absolute value of a number is either the number itself if it's positive or the negation of the number if it's negative. So, let's break it down:
Case 1: 3x + 2 is positive, and 3x is positive.
Case 2: 3x + 2 is positive, and 3x is negative.
Case 3: 3x + 2 is negative, and 3x is positive.
Case 4: 3x + 2 is negative, and 3x is negative.
Let's solve each case separately:
Case 1: 3x + 2 is positive, and 3x is positive:
In this case, you have two positive expressions inside the absolute values:
(3x + 2) + (3x) = 7
Combine like terms:
6x + 2 = 7
Subtract 2 from both sides:
6x = 7 - 2
6x = 5
Divide both sides by 6:
x = 5/6
Case 2: 3x + 2 is positive, and 3x is negative:
In this case, you have a positive expression and a negative expression inside the absolute values:
(3x + 2) - (3x) = 7
Combine like terms:
2 = 7
This equation is not possible because it leads to a contradiction. There are no solutions in this case.
Case 3: 3x + 2 is negative, and 3x is positive:
In this case, you have a negative expression and a positive expression inside the absolute values:
-(3x + 2) + (3x) = 7
Combine like terms:
-2 = 7
This equation is also not possible because it leads to a contradiction. There are no solutions in this case.
Case 4: 3x + 2 is negative, and 3x is negative:
In this case, you have two negative expressions inside the absolute values:
-(3x + 2) - (3x) = 7
Combine like terms:
-6x - 2 = 7
Add 2 to both sides:
-6x = 7 + 2
-6x = 9
Divide both sides by -6:
x = 9 / (-6)
x = -3/2
So, the solutions to the original equation are:
x = 5/6 (from Case 1)
x = -3/2 (from Case 4)
solved
general
11 months ago
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