Solve the Absolute Value Equation: Finding X in |3x - 12| = 3

Question

3x12=3 \left|3x-12\right|=3

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation 3x12=3 |3x - 12| = 3 , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Recognize that the absolute value equation A=B |A| = B means A=B A = B or A=B A = -B .
  • Step 2: Set up the two equations:
    • 3x12=3 3x - 12 = 3
    • 3x12=3 3x - 12 = -3

Now let's solve each equation:

For the first equation 3x12=3 3x - 12 = 3 :
Add 12 to both sides to get:
3x=15 3x = 15
Divide both sides by 3:
x=5 x = 5

For the second equation 3x12=3 3x - 12 = -3 :
Add 12 to both sides to get:
3x=9 3x = 9
Divide both sides by 3:
x=3 x = 3

Therefore, the solutions to the equation 3x12=3 |3x - 12| = 3 are x=5 x = 5 and x=3 x = 3 .

These solutions correspond to choice 1: x=5 x = 5 , x=3 x = 3 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=5 x = 5 and x=3 x = 3 .

Answer

x=5 x=5 , x=3 x=3