Solving Absolute Value Equations
The absolute value of a number is its distance from 0.
The absolute value of x is equal to x if x is greater than or equal to 0; otherwise, it is equal to x.
Use this definition of absolute value to solve equations involving absolute values. Split the original equation |x| = a into two different possibilities, or cases, based on the definition: x = a and x = --a. Solve each one and combine the solutions.
Some equations have no solutions.
Always check all of the solutions. Some may not satisfy the original equation and must be discarded.
Solving Absolute Value Equations
Lecture Slides are screen-captured images of important points in the lecture. Students can download and print out these lecture slide images to do practice problems as well as take notes while watching the lecture.

























Carleen Eaton
Grant Fraser



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