Bell work:

Which inequalities describe the

following graph?
o
o
1.
2.
3.
4.

3
2
y > -3 or y < -1
y > -3 and y < -1
y -3 or y -1
y -3 and y -1
Answer Now

-1

Solving Absolute Value

Equations & Inequalities
Kiran Satyavarapu
Algebra II
Coolidge High School

Objectives
To write and solve equations and
inequalities involving absolute value

Absolute Value (of x)

Symbol lxl
The distance x is from 0 on the number
line.
Always positive
Ex: l-3l=3

-4

-3

-2

-1

Ex: x = 5
What are the possible values of x?
x=5

or

x = -5

To solve an absolute value equation:

ax+b = c, where c>0
To solve, set up 2 new equations, then
solve each equation.
ax+b = c

or

ax+b = -c

** make sure the absolute value is by

itself before you split to solve.

Ex: Solve 6x-3 = 15

6x-3 = 15 or
6x = 18 or
x = 3 or

6x-3 = -15
6x = -12
x = -2

* Plug in answers to check your solutions!

Ex: Solve 2x + 7 -3 = 8
Get the abs. value part by itself first!
2x+7 = 11
Now split into 2 parts.
2x+7 = 11 or 2x+7 = -11
2x = 4 or 2x = -18
x = 2 or x = -9
Check the solutions.

Bell Work
8/19/15

Answer this question on a separate sheet of

paper and turn in at the front tray
Solve |x +2| - 1 = 9

Solve 2|x +9| +3 = 7

Ex: Solve 3x + 2

= 4x + 5

Ex: Solve 5x - 2 = 7x + 14

Solving Absolute Value Inequalities

1. ax+b < c, where c>0
Becomes an and problem
Changes to: c<ax+b<c
2. ax+b > c, where c>0
Becomes an or problem
Changes to: ax+b>c or ax+b<-c

EX: |3x 4| < 8

Ex: Solve & graph.

4 x 9 21
Becomes an and problem

21 4 x 9 21

12 4 x 30
15
3 x
2
-3

Bell Work
2x 2 4
Becomes an ___ problem

Ex: Solve & graph.

2x 4 6
Becomes an ___ problem

Pair with a partner and Solve

x 3 2
Becomes an ___ problem

Solve & graph.

3x 2 3 11

Get absolute value by itself first.

3x 2 8
Becomes an or problem

3x 2 8 or 3x 2 8
3 x 10 or

3 x 6

10
x
or x 2
3

-2

Assignment
Turn to page 46 and answer the problems from 10 -36