Solve the equation |3x + 4| = |3x - 11|

Here we have an equation involving absolute values. As a general rule |a| = +a and |a| = -a. We can apply that to our RHS. In the first case we get that 3x + 4 = 3x - 11, however after we subtract 3x from both sides we are left with 4 = -11, which is obviously false. Therefore, we conclude that there are no solutions for |a| = +a and we move on to |a| = -a. Applying our formula again we have 3x + 4 = - (3x - 11) or 3x + 4 = - 3x + 11. Rearranging we get that 6x = 7 or that x = 7/6.

VB
Answered by Viktoria B. Maths tutor

8449 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A level Maths question - The graph of y=2sin(2x)+1 is rotated 360 degrees about the x-axis to form a solid. Find the volume enclosed by the curve, the co-ordinate axes and the line x=pi/2


What is y' when y=3xsinx?


Differentiate x^cos(x) and find the derivative of cosec^-1(x)


When do we use the quadratic formula, and when the completing the square method?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning