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You are here: Experts > Science > Math for Kids > Basic Math > absolute value
Expert: John Zalewski - 8/27/2008
Question
QUESTION: I have an equation that I just can't figure out. The absolute value of 1-2/x=5
Can you help me by showing me how to work it out.
ANSWER: Hello, Kim.
absolute value of 1 - 2/x = 5
1 - 2/x = 5
Step 1: Subtract 1 from both sides.
Result: -2/x = 4.
Step 2: Cross-multiply.
Result: -2 = 4x.
Step 3: Divide both sides by 4.
Result: x = -1/2.
Step 4: Take the absolute value of -1/2.
Result: 1/2.
Answer: 1/2.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you John. I apologize for not giving you the answer in the first question, but the answer should be -6 & 9. I am not real sure but I think it should be worked out through the quadratic formula
Answer
Hello, Kim.
The quadratic formula would not apply to this question. The quadratic formula is useful when you have a figure such as this:
3x^2 + x + 7.
In that example, 'a' would equal 3, 'b' would equal 1, and 'c' would equal 7. The quadratic formula is equal to
x = -b +/- sqrt(b^2-4ac)/2a.
Your question of 1 - 2/x = 5 is a simple algebra problem. The answer to that is -1/2. (After taking the absolute value, the answer is 1/2.)
Please recheck your question.
Regards,
John
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