Solve the Absolute Value Equation: |5-z| = Finding the Distance

Absolute Value Expressions with Direct Evaluation

5z= \left|5-z\right|=

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

5z= \left|5-z\right|=

2

Step-by-step solution

To address the problem, we need to interpret 5z \left|5-z\right| correctly. The absolute value function essentially provides a non-negative outcome of the expression it encompasses. Conventionally, this expression is solved by considering two cases: when the expression inside the absolute value is non-negative and when it is negative. However, since there is no inequality provided and no instruction to solve for any specific case of z z , the prompt asks to evaluate the original expression:

  • Usually, the expression 5z \left|5-z\right| can be interpreted as 5z 5-z if 5z 5-z is non-negative or (5z) -(5-z) if 5z 5-z is negative.
  • However, the problem seeks the rewritten expression, suggesting 5z 5-z as the principal equivalent, matching the absolute functionality if the expression is positive or zero directly.

Thus, interpreting the multiple-choice options provided:

  • Option 1: 5z 5-z — representing the expression inside the absolute value directly.
  • Option 2: z5 z-5 — this would suggest a flip that is not aligned directly with expression values.
  • Option 4: 5+z -5+z — this option is simply a reordering and differs from option 1 structurally.

The choice reflecting the expression within the absolute value is 5z 5-z . Given the task involves equating the expression within the 5z\left|5-z\right| context for the options provided.

Hence, the solution, expressed directly, is simply:

5z 5-z

3

Final Answer

5z 5-z

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Absolute value represents distance from zero on number line
  • Technique: 5z |5-z| equals the expression inside when non-negative
  • Check: Expression inside absolute value bars determines the final result ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Always making absolute value positive
    Don't automatically assume 5z=z5 |5-z| = z-5 when z > 5! This ignores the actual expression inside. The absolute value equals the expression inside when it's non-negative. Always identify what's actually inside the absolute value bars first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Determine the absolute value of the following number:

\( \left|18\right|= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why isn't the answer always positive?

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The absolute value function makes the result non-negative, but we're asked what the expression equals, not to solve it. 5z |5-z| represents the expression 5z 5-z when it's positive or zero.

When would the answer be different?

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If 5z<0 5-z < 0 (when z > 5), then 5z=(5z)=z5 |5-z| = -(5-z) = z-5 . But without knowing z's value, we identify the direct expression inside the bars.

Is this the same as solving an equation?

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No! We're not solving for z. We're identifying what the absolute value expression represents. The question asks what 5z |5-z| equals as an expression.

Why not choose z-5 since it's the same thing?

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While z5 z-5 and 5+z -5+z are algebraically equivalent to 5z 5-z , the question asks for the direct representation of what's inside the absolute value bars.

How do I remember which form to use?

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Look at what's literally written inside the absolute value bars. 5z |5-z| contains 5z 5-z , so that's your answer when identifying the expression.

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