Algebra Examples Absolute Value Expressions and Equations

Solve for x

$3 + | 2 x | = 3 + 3$

Step 1

Add $3$ and $3$ .

$3 + | 2 x | = 6$

Step 2

Move all terms not containing $| 2 x |$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 2.1

Subtract $3$ from both sides of the equation.

$| 2 x | = 6 - 3$

Step 2.2

Subtract $3$ from $6$ .

$| 2 x | = 3$

Step 3

Remove the absolute value term. This creates a $\pm$ on the right side of the equation because $| x | = \pm x$ .

$2 x = \pm 3$

Step 4

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.1

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$2 x = 3$

Step 4.2

Divide each term in $2 x = 3$ by $2$ and simplify.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.2.1

Divide each term in $2 x = 3$ by $2$ .

$\frac{2 x}{2} = \frac{3}{2}$

Step 4.2.2

Simplify the left side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.2.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $2$ .

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.2.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{2 x}{2} = \frac{3}{2}$

Step 4.2.2.1.2

Divide $x$ by $1$ .

$x = \frac{3}{2}$

Step 4.3

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$2 x = - 3$

Step 4.4

Divide each term in $2 x = - 3$ by $2$ and simplify.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.4.1

Divide each term in $2 x = - 3$ by $2$ .

$\frac{2 x}{2} = \frac{- 3}{2}$

Step 4.4.2

Simplify the left side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.4.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $2$ .

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.4.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{2 x}{2} = \frac{- 3}{2}$

Step 4.4.2.1.2

Divide $x$ by $1$ .

$x = \frac{- 3}{2}$

Step 4.4.3

Simplify the right side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.4.3.1

Move the negative in front of the fraction.

$x = - \frac{3}{2}$

Step 4.5

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$x = \frac{3}{2}, - \frac{3}{2}$

Step 5

The result can be shown in multiple forms.

Exact Form:

$x = \frac{3}{2}, - \frac{3}{2}$

Decimal Form:

$x = 1.5, - 1.5$

Mixed Number Form:

$x = 1 \frac{1}{2}, - 1 \frac{1}{2}$

Enter YOUR Problem

Solve for x

Absolute Value Expressions and Equations

How to Use Step-by-Step Examples

Why use Mathway?

Explore More Algebra Help