WEBVTT

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Here is the problem: |-x minus 5| equals 8.

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Solve an absolute value equation by splitting it into the cases where the inside is positive or negative.

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Write the problem with the absolute value isolated. The absolute value is already alone on one side, so it can be split into cases.

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Split into two cases. The inside is either c units above zero or c units below zero.

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Solve the positive case.

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Solve the negative case.

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Check each solution in the original equation.

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Write the solution set in interval notation.

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So the answer is x equals negative 13 or x equals 3; interval notation: -13, 3.

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An absolute value measures distance from zero, so |u| equals c means u is exactly c units from zero on either side.

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Substituting negative 13 and 3 gives 8 on the left, matching the right-hand side.